Author: Nancy
Disclaimer: JAG and characters do not belong to me. This is for
entertainment only.
Classification: PG- 13
Category: Category: Harm, Mac, Drama
Beta Reader: Carolyn
Summary: Harm becomes involved in an investigation of an alleged rape
in a small southern town. Warning some language and scenes depicted are violent.
PART 2
"Looks like your Marine is going to be charged with murder."
"Sheriff, there was a possibility Carly Sue was pregnant." Harm looked intently at the Sheriff.
"Who was supposed to be the father?" Sheriff Lou Carter looked at Harm surprised.
Harm shock his head, "I don't have any idea, but first find out for sure if she was pregnant. It may go to motive."
***************
Harm returned to Miss Jeanette's and called Admiral Chegwidden to report the recent turn of events.
"Sir, things are about to explode here. Carly Sue Speed just died. Her stepfather is already screaming Navy cover up. He's a certifiable bigot who probably raped and killed the girl himself. The problem is he has two 'good ole boy' witnesses and the statement from the girl saying Williams attacked her. I want to get Williams moved to a military base."
"The state attorney general will probably not be very happy with the idea of moving Williams. I don't want to stir up a hornet's nest. What is the community's response to all of this?" The Admiral responded.
"I can't tell, but I'm sure I'll be finding out very soon."
"I'm sending Mac and Bud down tomorrow morning. They finished with the Lambert court martial today. Keep me posted."
"Yes, Sir."
*************
Harm changed into jeans and a casual cotton button down shirt before heading back to the cafe. Patti had promised to have Miss Ruth prepare him a special meal of blackened Cajun catfish and steamed vegetables. Harm really wanted to talk some more with Patti and then check on Corporal Williams, before turning in for the night.
The Cafe was practically full at 1900. Patti immediately smiled and escorted Harm to a small empty table near the cafe counter. Harm noticed the lively chatter of the cafe became suddenly subdued as he walked towards the table. Mumbling about Carly Sue and the Marine could be heard.
"Don't mind them, everyone just likes to gossip around here." Patti laughed nervously and served him a tall glass of unsweetened ice tea. "Miss Ruth's got that catfish I promised, I'll go check to see if it's ready."
Harm noticed two large unshaven men, wearing dirty t-shirts and tattered jeans, stroll over in his direction, "So that killer's lawyer thinks he wants to eat with us." One of the men taunted. "Yea, Benny, he's one of those nigger lovers from up north." Everyone in the cafe became silent, waiting to see what would happen next.
Harm scanned the room, concerned that someone besides himself would be hurt if a fight erupted. Taking a deep breath, he slowly stood up facing the two men, "I don't want there to be any trouble here. Someone could get hurt."
"Like you!" Benny snickered, as the odor of liquor permeated the air.
"Let's just take this outside." Harm responded coolly.
"Yea Joe, we'll teach him not to mess in our business." Benny sneered.
Slowly walking outside, Harm suddenly rammed an elbow into Joe's stomach, causing the man to bend over in pain. He then spun around in time to block a punch from Benny and deliver a blow to Benny's right jaw, knocking him off his feet. Joe had recovered and lunged at Harm, throwing him to the ground, but Harm quickly rolled over and kicked the man again in the abdomen, sending him to the ground. Both men were now on the ground in pain. Catching his breath, Harm dusted off the dirt from his jeans before he walked back into the cafe.
Patti appeared quickly and handed him a wet cloth. "Nice going Commander. I'll have your supper out as soon as you finish cleaning up."
The chatter in the cafe slowly resumed its normal intensity, as Harm tasted the first bite of blackened Cajun catfish. Miss Ruth, a large black woman with a smile bigger than Patti's watched as Harm nodded in approval.
As he finished the last of his dinner, Deputies Smith and Lewis eased up to his table. "Heard you had a little run in with Joe and Benny." VaSean Lewis smiled.
"They didn't want me to try Miss Ruth's catfish." Harm grinned.
"They're just white trash." Billy Wayne Smith muttered, as VaSean laughed out loud.
"We just wanted to make sure you were all right, looks like you don't need us." Billy Wayne smiled, "Goodnight Commander."
***********
After finishing dinner, Harm walked down the partially lit street towards the jail to check on Corporal Williams. The jailer immediately let Harm into William's cell and then resumed his reading. "I've called Admiral Chegwidden at JAG headquarters. He's going to check on having you transferred to a military base, but it may take a few days."
"You think I'm in danger Sir?" Williams looked concerned.
"I talked with Earl Rayborn. He and his friends are pretty rough. I think it would be for the best if you were moved. Carly Sue Speed died this afternoon." Harm added quietly.
A look of shock, then sadness overcame Williams's face. "Maybe I should have taken her away from here...she would still be alive."
Harm watched the young man and saw the compassion he had for the young woman who had begged for his help just nights ago and then accused him of attacking her. It just didn't add up. Something kept gnawing at Harm.
Corporal you asked if I believed that you didn't do it." Harm spoke softly, "I believe you."
A smile slowly formed on Williams's face. "Call me Andre, Sir. You know my mother and dad have always told me that God would never give you more than you could handle. I don't think I could handle this all alone. Thanks, Commander."
"I guess I better let you get some sleep Corporal...Andre."
Harm was suddenly aware of what sounded like a grunt of pain and someone falling to the floor. Four men appeared wearing white hoods and robes. A gruff voice laughed, "So you think you're gonna have a military trial nigger! Well, we think different!" Pointing a gun at Harm and Williams, two of the hooded men ordered them out of the cell and then proceeded to tie their arms, blindfold and gag them. Harm felt the men push and drag him out of the building, where he then felt a sharp blow to the back of his head. After that he felt nothing...
**********
It seemed like an hour that Harm was bounced around in the trunk of the vehicle after regaining conciousness. His thoughts raced as he tried to figure a way to escape. The car came to an abrupt stop, and Harm could hear voices as the trunk was opened. He felt rough hands drag him from the compartment. Frustrated by his inability to see because of the blindfold, he attempted to jerk away from his captors only to receive a sharp blow in the gut that sent him to the ground. He again was pulled to his feet, and he felt the rope fall from his wrists. Just as suddenly, he was jerked forward and his arms pulled around a large tree. He was pushed against the bark and his hands were again tied tightly, preventing him from moving. The blindfold and gag were removed immediately sending feelings of panic through Harm's total being. Williams was being lifted upon a large metal barrel, and a hangman's noose dangled above him. Four men, dressed in white robes with hoods covering their faces, positioned Williams so the noose pulled tightly around his neck before one removed his blindfold and gag.
Williams, realizing his situation, began to plead with his captors. "Please don't do this...I promise you, I never hurt that girl...please don't do this." Sweat poured from his face that expressed pure terror.
"What defense do you have for your client now?" One of two men that stood next to Harm grabbed his hair and shoved the side of Harm's face against the coarse bark, so he was forced to watch the unbelievable scene before him.
Harm's heart was pounding in his chest as he fought the rising panic within. His mouth was dry, causing him to swallow before attempting to convince the hooded men from continuing with their plan. "If you stop now, you may not have to serve jail time...If you go through with this, you will all be charged with murder. Stop! Think of your families. I promise, if Williams had anything to do with the girl's murder, I will make sure he pays."
Williams' terror filled eyes remained fixed on Harm's, pleading for him to help him.
"Okay, we've heard his defense. Now vote." One of the hooded men spoke.
"Guilty."
"Guilty."
"Guilty."
"Guilty."
"Guilty."
"You heard the judgment. We hereby convict you, Andre Williams, of the crimes of rape and murder of Carly Sue Speed. For those crimes, we sentence you to death by hanging." The leader laughed sarcastically, "Do you have any last words?"
Harm couldn't believe what was happening. 'Oh God no!'
Williams was sobbing uncontrollably, "Commander! Please, please don't let them do this. Help me Commander." He pleaded.
"DON'T DO THIS!" Harm screamed and pulled with all his strength against the ropes that held his arms around the tree.
The sound of something striking metal sent the barrel rolling out from under Williams' legs. "NOOOOOOOO!" Harm screamed as he saw Williams falling, the rope pulling tightly around his neck, his body jerking upward as the rope went taut and his legs kicking furiously.
"Oh God." Harm closed his eyes and tried blocking the gasping sounds and thoughts from his mind by counting and breathing deeply, 'One, two, three...fifty-one, fifty-two...ninety-four, ninety-five...' Then there was a sickening silence. Perspiration dripped from his face, mingling with tears of despair.
"Now it's your turn Commander. We've got to teach you a lesson about interfering." Harm felt his shirt rip away and then the first slash of sharp pain from a whip across his back. The first was followed by another and another. The physical pain replaced the mental anguish as the warm trickle of blood ran down legs that had long since given way beneath him, leaving him hanging against the ropes which held his arms around the tree. As the repeated sound of the whip sliced through the air, he felt his consciousness slowly leave. The last thing he remembered were the words, "This is for earlier tonight." The sharp pain of a blunt object striking his shoulder and ribs sent him into pain-free blackness...
**********
The sheriff's cars sped down the gravel road behind the old Jefcoat place near the river. "Oh my God," Deputy VaSean Lewis muttered, in shock at the sight before him.
Sheriff Lou Carter's face was tense with unexpressed anger. "Get the camera, call an ambulance and hurry!" He barked out orders to the two deputies.
Lewis ran over to the tree where Harm was strapped. After Lewis felt for a pulse, he cut the ropes that held Harm to the tree and eased him to the ground. "He's alive!"
"Ambulance is on the way." Smith brought a blanket and carefully covered the battered man who lay before them.
Sheriff Carter who had been snapping pictures of the horrendous scene knelt down beside Lewis, "Call the FBI and get instructions whether we should cut the Marine down or will they want us to leave him till they get here. I'd better call Rabb's commanding officer."
***********
Hours later
The helo landed behind the small county hospital with an Admiral, Marine Lt. Colonel and Navy Lt. disembarking. Sheriff Carver sucked in a deep breath as he waited for the impending confrontation with the man he talked with just hours ago. If the sheriff hadn't known better, he'd bet money that these people were ready to take him apart limb by limb.
Admiral Chegwidden's eyes blazed in anger as he approached the sheriff, "Where is my officer, and what have you done to round up the scum who did this?" Behind him stood an attractive Marine Colonel, who looked like she was waiting her turn to chew him out.
"The FBI's here now. We picked up Earl Rayborn, and two others, about an hour ago. Follow me and I'll take you to see Doc Mason. He'll update you on the Commander's condition." Sheriff Carver knew better than to try to explain anything until the Admiral had checked on Rabb.
The young doctor walked up cautiously to the incensed officers. "Admiral Chegwidden? Dr. Mason. I'm treating Commander Rabb."
The Admiral's anger quickly faded and turned to concern, "How is he?"
Dr. Mason looked nervously at the sheriff; "He lost a lot of blood and has a fractured upper arm and four fractured ribs. He was very badly beaten."
Mac couldn't stay quiet any longer, "What happened?" She looked from the doctor to the sheriff.
"Would you please answer the Colonel's question." The Admiral demanded, forgetting he had no authority over these people.
Sheriff Carver spoke up, "We found the Commander tied to a tree. He was apparently whipped and beaten, I believe after he was forced to watch Williams' lynching. I received an anonymous call this morning telling us where to find them." The sheriff avoided making eye contact with Mac.
Mac closed her eyes, imagining the torment Harm must have experienced. "Were is he." She responded softly.
The doctor led Mac towards Harm's room, while the sheriff signaled the Admiral and Bud to stay back. "I'm sorry all this happened in my county, Admiral. I had informed the Commander that Earl and his boys were mean and had ties to the KKK. I thought you might want to see some of the pictures taken at the crime scene. They may help you understand the Commander's injuries." The sheriff opened a folder and handed the Admiral and Bud the snap shots he had taken earlier.
The Admiral's face drained of all color, as did Bud's. Bud quickly ran to the restroom to throw up. The Admiral said nothing, but the tight line of his lips spoke volumes. When Bud returned, they walked towards Harm's room. Taking a deep breath the Admiral pushed the door open.
**********
Mac had followed the doctor into the room where Harm lay on his side, with his arm in an immobilizer and propped on a pillow. He appeared pale and heavily sedated. Mac eased closer to the bed and softly called his name, "Harm... Harm ... it's me, Mac. Are you going to wake up sailor?" She smoothed his hair with her hand, but received no response. She sat at the bedside and watched him sleep. His breathing was uneven and he occasionally twitched his head.
The Admiral broke the silence, "The Commander's too pig headed to let this beat him." The Admiral stood over his officer watching his fitful sleep. Mac tried again to wake Harm, as he seemed to become more restless, "Harm...wake up Harm. You're safe now."
Harm was beginning to be aware of voices. He began to hear the drunken laughter and cursing of the men hidden behind white robes and hoods. He needed to get loose and stop them....
Harm jerked away from Mac's touch, his eyes flew open in confusion and distress, "No...Don't do it...NOOOO!" He screamed, as he flung his uninjured arm at the Admiral who had been trying to restrain him. Bud stepped up to assist the Admiral as, while Mac called for assistance.
"Harm, it's Mac, you're safe. The Admiral and Bud are here." Mac spoke calmly.
Somewhere in his confusion, Harm heard Mac and began to relax. The doctor and two nurses entered the room and began to inject a medication into Harm's IV. The drug began to send Harm into a deeper state of relaxation. "We gave him a sedative." The doctor explained to the worried officers.
Harm began to try to fight the drowsiness as he realized Mac, Bud and the Admiral were close by, "Mac?"
Mac immediately drew closer, "Mac, I couldn't stop them, I couldn't..." Tears ran down his face as his eyes slowly closed, escaping the physical and mental pain.
"I know." Mac stroked his face, watching his breathing even out as he fell into a deep sleep.
The Admiral walked away from the bed and stood staring out the window until he control his frustration and anger.
Bud approached the bed and spoke to his sleeping friend, "I promise you Commander. We will find who did this, and they will get what they deserve." The Admiral turned to look at his distraught officers. "Bud let's go keep that promise. Colonel, you stay here. I'm going to see when we can get Harm transferred out of this God forsaken place."
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