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Shades of Gray
**** Part 3 ****
2200 Zulu (7:30 am Local) Outback Motor Lodge Alice Springs, Australia
Mac knocked on Harm’s door, ready to get started. She felt much better this morning. The pain in her throat was almost gone, replaced by a steely resolve to get to the bottom of things. When Harm opened the door, she strode inside and over to the table where they had left their notes the night before. She picked the list up, comparing it to the map on which they had marked the residences of the people they needed to talk to. "I’ll take these," she said, sweeping her hand over the eastern part of the territory they had outlined. "I’ll meet you back here for lunch at thirteen hundred hours." It was nearly lunch time when Harm pulled up in front of a sprawling single story home. He collected his cover and stepped out of the car, straightening his uniform blouse as he approached the door. A tiny, immaculately dressed elderly lady answered his knock. Her bright eyes sparkled as she looked him up and down appreciatively. Harm was used to being stared at when he wore his summer whites, but it was unnerving to be ogled by an octogenarian. "What can I do for you?" the woman asked, in a surprisingly strong voice. "Ma’am, I’m Commander Harmon Rabb, from the United States Navy," he said. "I’m investigating a situation out at Pine Gap. Do you have a few minutes to answer a couple of questions?" Her smile widened as she continued to stare at him. Harm wasn’t entirely sure she’d heard a word he’d said, and he shifted uncomfortably. Apparently, she had heard him, though. She opened the door and gestured him inside. "Absolutely, young man," she said. "It’s not every day that I get a visitor as handsome as you." Harm followed her into a spacious living area. The room was clean and bright. Family pictures abounded on every available surface. "Have a seat." She gestured to a nearby sofa. "Can I get you something to drink?" "No thank you, Ma’am," said Harm, sitting down on the edge of the seat. "Relax," she giggled. "I’m not going to bite you." Harm laughed and sat back. "Now," she said. "What can I do for you?" "Well, as I said, I’m here about Pine Gap." Her expression clouded, and she tensed. "Hmm… I guess I was hoping I’d heard you wrong. I can certainly think of more pleasant ways to spend my afternoon than talking about that abomination." Harm’s eyebrows rose. "You do know the history, don’t you?" she asked. "I know it was built in 1968, but that’s about it," he answered. "Hmmmm…" She pursed her lips. "If you’ve got the time, I’ll tell you all about it. It’ll take a while, though. You sure you don’t want that drink?" "I’ll have a glass of water if it’s not too much trouble," he answered politely. "Be right back," she said, and disappeared through a doorway he hadn’t noticed when he’d come in. While he waited, Harm wandered around the room. Large aboriginal art prints adorned the walls, while small sculptures and bark paintings were displayed on the table tops and shelves. Harm stopped to admire a particularly spectacular piece, when a small framed picture caught his attention. Careful not to disturb the items around it, he lifted the photo and brought it closer. Several of the people in the image wore the uniform of the Royal Australian Navy, and he was staring at one person in particular when he heard Mrs. Blake return. He turned, the picture still in his hand. She took it from him, and looked at it fondly. "That’s from our last family reunion," she said. She pointed out some of the people and told Harm a little about them. They were obviously a very close-knit group. Harm experienced a fleeting stab of envy. He’d often wondered what it would have been like to be part of a large extended family. "Stunning group, aren’t we?" Mrs. Blake’s voice resonated with pride. She put the photo carefully in its place. "Yes, Ma’am," answered Harm, moving back over to the couch. She sat down across from him and waited while he took a sip of his water. "Your government and mine stole that land, you know." Harm’s eyebrows went up at that. This lady didn’t mince words. "That land originally belonged to my ancestors, the Arrernte people. It was stolen from us by a man named Jim Bullen. And the land was taken from him by the Australian government in order to give your government a place to build their space base." Mrs. Blake was obviously bitter, and Harm paid close attention to her words, needing to understand what motivated the protests against Pine Gap. She took a deep breath before going on. "Mr. Bullen refused to sell the land to Americans, but he was willing to sell it to the Australian government. They paid him a pittance, then turned around and let your government build their base." She glared at Harm, as if the whole thing was his fault. "Your people brought danger to my homeland. That base sits there, listening to the skies. Everybody knows what’s going on over there. We all know that you’re looking for targets for your bombs. We know that the information you gather there causes death somewhere else." She slumped in her chair, defeated. "We know, but we can do nothing about it. Our protests fall on deaf ears. We're arrested and punished for saying what we think." She looked sadly at Harm. "My people have lived on this land since the Dream Time. But one day, somebody is going to drop a nuclear bomb on your precious base, and my people will die. This saddens me, and it makes me angry." She stood abruptly. "I am sorry if my passion offends you, but I feel strongly about this. That base does not belong on Australian soil. And now, if you will excuse me, I have an appointment." She showed him to the door, polite but firm. "You know," she said, just before she closed the door. "It’s too bad we had to meet under these circumstances. I would have enjoyed getting to know you better." "Me too, Ma’am," answered Harm. He returned to his car, his mind busily rearranging the information he had just learned and trying to fit it with what he already knew. He needed to get in touch with Bud – soon. Harm arrived at the hotel to find Mac waiting for him. Her frustrated expression told him that she’d had an unsuccessful morning. He told her what he had seen at Mrs. Blake’s house, and about her obvious bitterness toward the base. They agreed that it was time to call Admiral Chegwidden. Luckily, the admiral answered his phone promptly. "Chegwidden." "Admiral, it’s Commander Rabb." "Rabb, do you know what time it is?" the admiral barked. "Yes, Sir, and I’m sorry. You said to keep you posted." He hesitated. "There’s been a development." "What is it?" The admiral sounded tired, but alert. "I had an interview today," Harm said. He pulled out his notes. "A Mrs. Blake. Apparently, her ancestry is aboriginal. She claims the Australian Government stole the land for Pine Gap from her people. She’s pretty bitter, Sir." "You think she’s involved?" asked A.J. "No, Sir. Not directly, anyway." "What do you mean?" "While I was there I got a close look at a family photograph she has," said Harm. "And?" The admiral sounded impatient. "Sir, I’m almost certain Captain Howell was in that picture." Harm heard the admiral suck in his breath. "Are you sure about this?" "Yes, Sir. " Admiral Chegwidden sighed. This case had suddenly gotten a lot more complicated. "I need to talk to the SecNav about this. Are you going to be around for a while?" "Yes, Sir. Mac and I need to go over our notes." "All right. Stay put. I’ll call you back." The admiral disconnected, and Harm hung up, turning to look at Mac. "Do you think he’s involved?" she asked. "My bet?" She nodded. "I think he’s in it up to his neck." Mac’s eyes widened as a thought struck her. "You don’t think he had anything to do with Mic’s death, do you?" "Mac…" Harm hesitated. He didn’t want to lie to her, but he didn’t want to tell her what he really thought, either. He finally settled for "I don’t know." Mac didn’t look happy with his answer, but she didn’t press the issue. Instead, she gathered her notes and sat down at the table. "Let’s see what we’ve got," she said. Harm ordered sandwiches from room service for both of them, and they sat down to work. When the telephone rang thirty minutes later, they both jumped. "Rabb," Harm answered. "Commander, it’s Chegwidden. I just got off the phone with the SecNav. Looks like I’m coming down there." He sighed. "I hate that flight, but this a political nightmare, and I don’t think you should be the one to confront Captain Howell." "Agreed, Sir." Harm said. "When will you be here?" "There’s a flight in a couple of hours. I’d better hurry if I’m going to catch it. I’ll call you from Sydney." "Yes, Sir." "Rabb?" "Sir?" "Stay out of trouble," warned the admiral. "Yes, Sir." There was a click as their CO disconnected the line. Harm turned to Mac. "He’s coming down." "Here?" "Not here. He’s going to Sydney. He wants to interview Captain Howell himself." "Oh," said Mac. "Yeah, Oh." "Well, let’s finish going over these notes. It’ll be another day before the admiral gets here. We should be able to finish up here by then." She bent her head, and Harm wondered what she was thinking. By late afternoon, they had finished updating the case file. It was obvious that the locals had mixed feelings about the Space Base, the name they commonly used to refer to Pine Gap. Some people were very accepting of its presence, but others adamantly opposed it. It was easy to see how a group of like minded people could get carried away. Harm just hoped they could find out who was in charge before somebody else got hurt. "I don’t know about you," Mac finally said. "But I could use some fresh air. I’m going to have a run before it gets dark. Want to come along?" "I don’t know, Mac. I’d probably leave you behind…" Harm grinned. "I doubt it, Flyboy," she laughed. "I’ll meet you at the front desk in 10 minutes." She left, and a little while later the two of them were jogging down the street. They discovered a bike trail along the Todd River, and followed it, enjoying the fresh air. Harm picked up his pace a bit, but Mac easily kept up. Then, she took the lead, and he found himself struggling to keep up. "Problems, Harm?" Mac asked innocently over her shoulder. "No problems," he answered, and they raced along the path, collapsing at last under a shady tree. Harm gasped for air and wiped the sweat from his face. "Nothing like a little jog to work the kinks out, huh?" Mac grinned. Harm looked at her suspiciously, but her eyes were wide and innocent. Just as he was about to turn away, the corner of her mouth twitched and he snapped his head back, causing her to dissolve into laughter. He shook his head, and grinned at her. "You’re out of shape, Harm," she taunted. "I am not!" he answered indignantly. He rose to his feet, and reached out a hand to help her up. She accepted with a smile, and they walked back to the hotel in companionable silence. "I want a bath," Mac said, as they entered the lobby. "Meet me in 20 minutes and we’ll get some dinner, ok?" "Sounds good," he answered. He opened his door and switched on the light. "Harm!" The urgency in her voice caused him to move quickly to her side. "What is it?" he asked. Mac didn’t answer, instead gesturing silently through the partially opened door. He pushed the door open a little wider, and whistled. Her room was a disaster. Clothing, some of it torn beyond repair, had been thrown haphazardly into the corners and across overturned furniture. The dresser drawers lay on the floor, twisted and broken. Mattress stuffing covered every visible surface and trailed across the carpet. Harm wished he had his service revolver as he eased around the corner and turned on the light. Mac followed him in, providing backup. He hoped that whoever had been here was long gone. Careful not to touch anything, he scanned the room rapidly for any sign of movement. The room appeared to be empty, and he inched his way further inside, checking in the corners, behind the drapes, and underneath the bed. Mac eased her way slowly toward the bathroom door, and Harm moved to the other side of the doorframe. When they were both in position, Mac kicked the door open and turned on the light in one fluid motion. Harm dragged the shower curtain open. When they were satisfied that the room was empty they breathed a sigh of relief. They turned and saw their own faces reflected back at them. The words "Go Home Yanks" were scrawled across the glass with a bar of soap. "I don’t understand," Mac finally said. "Why my room and not yours?" Harm shrugged. "Maybe they thought you’d be easy to intimidate, and that if you left, you’d take me with you." He grinned crookedly at her. "Obviously, they don’t know you," he finished. "Harm, this isn’t funny." Mac was annoyed, and Harm knew this was no laughing matter. He found the telephone and called the front desk to report the break-in, then helped Mac collect her things. "I think you’d better stay with me tonight," he said quietly. "Harm, I don’t need a babysitter." "Mac, it’s not about that. Look, There’s no way this room will be fit to live in by tonight, so the manger will have to find you a different one. It’ll be pretty hard to back each other up if you’re on the other side of the hotel." Mac sighed and zipped her suitcase. She knew he was right. That didn’t mean she had to like it. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to be close to Harm. It was more that she wanted it more than she dared to admit. Staying in Harm’s room, even on the couch, was a prescription for disaster, and she wasn’t sure she had the strength she needed to make it through. Harm noticed her preoccupation, and reached out to turn her toward him. "Mac," he said gently. "You’ll be safe. I promise you that." Mac heard and understood the double meaning in his words. He meant safe from whoever didn’t want them around, but he also meant safe from him. She wasn’t sure either of them was going to be able to keep his word, but she was grateful to him for understanding her dilemma. She sipped her suitcase and looked around, checking to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. That was when the hotel manager finally showed up. He whistled. "What happened here?" he asked. "It was like this when I got back from my run," answered Mac. The manager noticed her suitcase. "We’re full up, I’m afraid. I’ve got no place else to put you…" "That’s ok. I’ll share the room with my partner," said Mac, her look daring the portly man to comment. He backed down, twirling his bizarre handlebar moustache with a nervous index finger. "Right then, I’ll just ring up the police. You’ll be next door?" "Yes." "Right then," he said. "Cheers." Mac looked at Harm, who quirked an eyebrow at her and lifted her suitcase. She grabbed her purse and followed him, leaving the hotel manager murmuring distractedly to himself. Back in Harm’s room, she called dibs on the shower, and emerged ten minutes later feeling almost human again. While she waited for Harm to shower and dress, the phone rang. "Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie," she answered. "Colonel? It’s Bud." "Oh, hi, Bud," said Mac. "What are you doing up at this hour? It’s the middle of the night there." Bud yawned audibly, and she grinned. "I wanted to get this information to you and Commander Rabb," he answered. "I was up with the baby anyway, so it’s no big deal." "What did you find?" asked Mac. "Well, not much, really. Three of the people on the list you gave me have criminal records. Simple assault, larceny, nothing major, but one of them seems to make a habit of it." "Give me their names, Bud." Mac took out a pen and grabbed a notepad. He did, and Mac jotted them down. She made a quick note about the repeat offender. "Ok, we’ll make sure we check them out. Did you find anything else?" "Not yet. I’m still checking. Commander Rabb asked me to check out the command staff, too. It turns out that a couple of them have family right here in Washington. I thought I’d talk to them and see if anything turns up. "Thanks, Bud. We appreciate it." "Colonel?" asked Bud. "Yes?" "Are you…ok?" he hesitated. "I mean, the admiral told us about Commander Brumby, and we’re all sorry about what happened…" "I’m ok, Bud." Mac knew Harriet was probably pulling at his sleeve, and she smiled at the predictability of the two of them. "And tell Harriet that, too." "Yes, Ma’am," he answered. They ended the call, and Mac turned in time to see Harm come out of the bathroom, hair still wet from his shower. "Who was on the phone?" he asked. "Bud. He had some information for us. I jotted down the names. They’re on the notepad." Harm picked it up and scanned the names. One of them seemed to catch his attention, and he took out his notes from his earlier interviews. "Damn," he said, softly. "What?" "I was hoping I was wrong," Harm said. "About?" "Remember my interview today? Mrs. Blake? The one who was so anti Pine Gap?" "Yes…" "Tim Blake is her son." Mac immediately realized the implications. "We need to let the admiral know." "There’s nothing we can do about it tonight. He’s on board Qantas airlines somewhere over the Pacific Ocean." Mac’s stomach growled, and Harm grinned at her. "I think that means it’s time for dinner. Come on. We can’t do anybody any good by standing here worrying. Let’s get something to eat." They got a quick dinner at a nearby restaurant, and were soon back at the hotel. Mac took a clean t-shirt and some shorts out of her luggage and disappeared into the bathroom to change. When she came out, Harm was leaning back against the headboard, flipping through the channels on the television. Mac grabbed the other pillow and a blanket and moved across to the couch. "Mac," said Harm. "There’s no way you’re going to be able to sleep on that thing. It’s hard as a rock." "I’ve slept in stranger places," she answered. "Look, I said you’d be safe with me, and I meant it. We shared a bed in Paraguay and nothing happened, did it?" Mac decided not to point out the fact that their relationship had changed in subtle ways since that fateful trip. This was one time that discretion really was the better part of valor. "Well, the bed does look more comfortable," she finally said. She conceded defeat and put the pillow back, climbing under the covers and twisting her neck so that she could see the TV. Harm laughed. "You look like an ostrich," he said. Mac glared up at him. "Thanks a lot," she said. "Come ‘ere," he said. He put an arm around her and hauled her up beside him. Her head came to rest on his shoulder, and his arm settled naturally at her waist. "There," he said. "Better?" "Mmmm," she answered, listening contentedly to the steady thump of his heart beneath his t-shirt. Morning person that she was, Mac fell asleep quickly, completely unaware that she snuggled in closer to his side as she did so. Mac always had a certain amount of trouble adjusting to new time zones, and a trip to Australia virtually guaranteed several late night awakenings. This night was no different. Mac gradually became aware of a feeling of warmth and utter contentment, though it took her a few moments to recognize the source of those feelings. Apparently, she had fallen asleep in Harm’s arms. She considered that for a moment and decided she liked it. But now her neck had a crick in it from the unnatural angle. Harm didn’t look much better off. He’d fallen asleep propped against the headboard, the television still flickering on the other side of the room. Too lazy to get up and walk around the bed, Mac eased herself to her knees. She stretched across Harm, reaching to pick up the remote control from its place on the small bedside table. Just then, he mumbled something in his sleep and shifted restlessly, and Mac lost her balance and slipped, landing heavily across his chest. She instantly felt Harm’s arms tighten around her, and he opened his eyes. His initial look of surprise at finding her sprawled across him was quickly replaced by something much warmer, and his eyes darkened as he slowly trailed his hand up her back. Mac’s breath caught in her throat and she froze. She knew they had stumbled into dangerous waters, but she didn’t have the strength to pull away. A small voice in Mac’s head urged her to get as far away from this man as she could…fast. But her stubborn body refused to obey the command. She lay there, completely unable to move, as Harm tilted his head and placed a feather light kiss at her temple. He pulled back slightly and looked at her, and she sensed that he was waiting for her to tell him to back off. When she didn’t say anything, he tilted his head again, but this time he kissed the tip of her nose. Mac found herself completely unable to stop herself. She slid her hand up his arm and stretched up to meet the next kiss. Her brain stopped functioning when she felt Harm’s lips move against her own as his hand caressed her back. It was Mac who deepened the kiss, her tongue flicking lightly at the corner of his mouth. Harm groaned in the back of his throat and opened to her. This kiss. Here. Now. This kiss was different from any kiss she had ever experienced. She had been kissed by Harm before, but never this way, and never with the full knowledge that they both knew exactly what they were doing. Obviously, she had kissed other men. But what she felt for Harm went so much deeper than anything she had felt for any other man, that it changed everything. His kiss turned her inside out in the space of a heartbeat, and she sensed that it was about to get away from them, but she was powerless to do anything about it. Apparently, Harm had more self control, because even as Mac acknowledged the danger they were in, he pulled back slightly, easing her down until they were lying facing each other, eyes wide in the dim light of the hotel room. With one hand, he brushed the hair away from her face so that he could see her better. "Mac…" His voice was hoarse, and Mac knew he was struggling for control. "Mac, I made you a promise, earlier, and I’m not going to break it," he said. "I want this. I want it so badly I ache with it." His honesty surprised her, but she lay quietly and waited for him to continue. "But this isn’t the time or the place." Her eyes flew to his in surprise and hurt. He was rejecting her again, and humiliation swept over her. She started to pull away, but he refused to let her go. "No," Harm said firmly. "I’m not letting you get away from me until you’ve heard me out." "I’ve already heard this speech," said Mac, bitterly. "No, you haven’t. The last time we had a conversation that even approached this one I said ‘not yet’." "And the difference is…?" Mac asked. "The difference is that this time I’m going to make damn sure you understand what I mean." "What might that be?" "It's…" he paused, ordering his words in his head. "If we make love, and I sincerely hope that we will, I don’t want it to be an accident of timing. I don’t want it to be about gratitude or pain or desperation. I want it to be about us and what’s right between us." At his words, Mac relaxed slightly. She hated that his overdeveloped sense of honor had put a stop to that mind blowing kiss, but at least he wasn’t pushing her away completely. "Mac, we’ve struggled for eight years to build something between us. We’ve had some rough times, but we’ve survived them. Through all the ups and downs, the good times and the bad, we’ve been there for each other. We’ve worked hard to get to where we are today, and no matter how much I love you, I’m not going to risk throwing it all away because some jerk with an attitude forced you to share my room for the night." Harm abruptly ran out of steam, seeming almost to deflate before her eyes. Mac was in shock. He’d said it. He’d actually said the words. After all these years she had almost given up hope. Hell, she’d even doubted he felt the words, much less that he would ever be able to actually say them. It dawned on her eventually that Harm was waiting for her to say something, and she realized with a jolt that he was nervous. She propped herself on an elbow and looked down at him, her heart in her eyes. She traced his jaw line with one finger, startled when he reached up and caught her hand, holding it still against his chest. "I love you too, you know," she said, with a small smile. She heard him catch his breath, and his smile lit up the room. "No, actually, I didn’t know that," he said. "But I’m awfully glad you do." He pulled her into another spectacular kiss, and Mac knew that she didn’t care what had caused her to be in this bed right now. She would gladly give this man anything he asked for tonight. Promise or no promise. Harm, however, had more control than she did, and he finally pulled away. After their breathing finally returned to something resembling normal, he pulled her close against him, spooning himself around her protectively. They fell asleep that way, neither awakening until the bright light of day scattered the shadows from the corners.
16:15 Zulu (11:15 am Local) Jag Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia
Bud stopped beside his wife’s desk and waited patiently until she looked up. "I’m headed out to interview a couple of people for Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie. I should be back by the end of the day, but I might run late." "No problem. I’ll just pick up the boys and meet you back home whenever you’re through." She smiled up at him. "I can always work on this U.S.O. stuff after they’re in bed." "I’ll see you at home later, then." When Bud arrived at his second interview of the afternoon, he was glad that he was in uniform. The stately mansion, set back from the tree lined road and surrounded by rolling, snow covered lawns, announced it’s owners’ wealth in no uncertain terms. Bud rang the bell and heard the mellow tones chime somewhere deep inside. The door opened immediately, and Bud’s expectations of grandeur faded. The elderly gentleman who greeted him wore a clean, but faded, USAF sweatshirt and well worn slacks. His sparse gray hair was carefully brushed, and he was clean shaven, but his feet were bare, and he danced from foot to foot as cold air flooded over them. "You must be Lieutenant Roberts," he said. "Come inside before I freeze." Bud removed his cover and stepped across the threshold, stepping to one side as his host closed the door behind him. That task done, the older man turned and thrust his hand out at Bud. "Tom Eaton," he said. "Welcome to my home." "Thank you, Sir," said Bud, impressed by Mr. Eaton’s firm grip and friendly smile. "Follow me. We’ll be more comfortable in the den." The older man took Bud’s coat and hung it on a brass hook beside the door before showing Bud into a warmly decorated room filled with overstuffed furniture and antiques. An elderly woman stood from her place near the crackling fire and came over to greet them. Like her husband, she was neatly but simply dressed, and her smile was friendly. "Lieutenant Roberts, I assume?" Like her husband, she extended her hand, her grip firm and confident. "Please, have a seat. Can I get you a drink?" "No, Ma’am. I’m fine, thanks," answered Bud as he sat down on a small couch. "Before we start, let’s get one thing straight, young man," said Mr. Eaton. "I'm not a sir, and my wife isn't a ma’am. We’re old enough not to want to be reminded of it all the time. Please, I’m Tom, and my wife is Marcia." "Yes, Sir…er, Tom." Tom and his wife looked amused as he stumbled, but they graciously kept their peace. "Now, what can we do for you?" asked Tom. "Well, Sir…" Tom and Marcia grinned at each other, but Bud didn’t even notice. Some habits were just impossible to break. "I’m a JAG attorney, stationed here in Falls Church. We’ve been investigating some problems at one of our bases in Australia. Pine Gap?" "Our daughter is stationed there," said Marcia, a note of pride in her voice. "Yes, Ma’am. I know. That’s why I’m here." "Is Caroline in trouble?" Tom sounded alarmed. "No, Sir. Not at all. We’re just trying to get to know a little bit more about the officers who are stationed down there. Sometimes we find clues in surprising places, so we spend a lot of time asking questions." "Hmmm… I see. All right then. What would you like to know?" "Anything you can tell me about Colonel Eaton might be helpful. Has she ever been to Australia before now?" "Oh my, yes," said Marcia. "We love it down there. When Caroline was little we used to spend the winter there every year. Remember, dear?" Marcia looked at her husband, who smiled fondly. "Caroline was a regular little Outback kid," he said. "She and her brother spent more time outdoors exploring the wilderness than they did with their mother and I." "You have a son?" Bud asked. Marcia picked up a framed photo from a nearby table and handed it to him, her expression sad. "That’s Michael with Caroline," she said. "He was killed in action during the Gulf War." Bud studied the proud officer in the photo. He appeared to be in his early thirties when the picture was taken. He had his arm around his sister’s waist, and the two of them were grinning for the photographer. They looked happy together, and Bud swallowed, thinking about how he would feel if his own brother were killed in action. "I’m deeply sorry for your loss, Ma’am," Bud said, as he handed the picture back to Marcia. "It’s ok. Much as we miss him, we know he died honorably. We’re very proud of him." "Yes, Ma’am. I’m sure you are." "Anyway, we were talking about Australia," Marcia said, brightening. "Remember how much fun they used to have with that friend of theirs? What was his name…The three of them were inseparable." "Robert?" Tom suggested. "That’s it!" She looked pleased. "Didn’t he join the military too? " She looked to her husband, who nodded. "Navy, I think. We haven’t heard from him in years." "He was such a nice boy." Marcia smiled fondly at the memory. "I wonder what he’s doing these days…" "Ma’am, I hate to interrupt, but I’m kind of short on time. I have three move interviews to finish today and my wife won’t be pleased if I’m late for dinner." Tom chuckled. "I know that feeling." He said, earning a playful glare from his wife. "Is there anything else you can tell me about Colonel Eaton that might be of help?" asked Bud. "Can’t think of anything right now, " said Tom. But if you’ll leave your card we’ll give you a call if we think of something." "Thank you, Sir. I’d appreciate it." Bud handed Tom a card from his pocket and stood to leave. "I appreciate your taking the time to meet with me. I know this is a busy time of the year." "We always enjoy company," said Marcia. "Keeps the day interesting." She smiled at him as they walked to the door. A few moments later, Bud was back in his car and on his way to get some lunch before his next interview. It was interesting that Colonel Eaton had spent some time in Australia as a child, but he wasn’t sure the information would help Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie. He gave a mental shrug. He’d pass it on. You never could tell what might turn out to be important.
9:47 Zulu (7:17 pm Local) Outback Motor Lodge Alice Springs, Australia
Harm and Mac had spent the day finishing up their interviews. Most of the information they gleaned provided little insight into what was going on, but they did discover some interesting trivia. They were especially entertained by a story about a time when four locals rode their bikes onto the landing strip in an attempt to keep a large military aircraft from landing. They were unsuccessful. All four were arrested and charged, but Harm had to admire their courage. At the end of the day, they met back at the hotel and discussed their findings, ultimately agreeing that they were at a standstill until after the admiral talked to Captain Howell. Harm was putting their notes in order when the telephone rang, and he reached across the table to grab it. "Commander Rabb." "If I never have to make that flight again it’ll be too soon," said Admiral Chegwidden by way of greeting. "I understand Sir," said Harm. "Any new developments I should know about?" "Yes, Sir. Two." Harm went on to tell the admiral about what had happened to Mac’s room and about the information that Bud had been able to track down. "Bud says he’s not finished with the list yet. He still has a few names to check out." He heard the admiral’s long sigh. "O.K., I’ll take it from here with Captain Howell. I have a meeting with him tomorrow morning. I’ll let you know what I find out." "Yes, Sir." The line disconnected and Harm hung up the phone, standing up to stretch the kinks out of his back. He knew that for the time being there was nothing else to be done, but he’d be glad to hear from the admiral tomorrow. Something about this whole thing made his skin crawl, and he was anxious to put the case behind him and get back home.
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