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 6
The Admiral looked up in surprise when he noticed Harm stroll into the bullpen and head for his office. He followed Harm and stood in his office doorway. "Commander, I need to see you in my office now." He spoke gently but firmly.
Harm put his cover and briefcase down and took a deep breath. He was tired of being treated like glass for the past weeks and now the Admiral thought he was crazy.
He stood at attention until the Admiral asked him to sit.
"Commander, I think it would be in your best interest to take a few days. This trial was obviously very stressful for everyone involved." The Admiral chose his words carefully.
Harm sighed impatiently. "Sir, with all due respect. I do appreciate your concern, but I think that I would be more useful here than sitting around my apartment."
"Commander, I don't think you understood. I am putting you on medical leave until I receive clearance from Captain Milsaps. Have I made myself clear?" The Admiral's voice left no room for discussion.
"Sir, Colonel Mackenzie just overreacted to a nightmare..."
"Commander, this is not up for discussion!" The Admiral responded firmly.
"Yes, Sir!" Harm stood at attention with disdain clearly evident.
"Dismissed."
Harm crossed the bullpen to his office, not speaking with anyone as he grabbed his cover and a couple of files, tossing them in his briefcase, before practically storming out of the office. Bud observed it all with confusion and hastily headed towards the Admiral's office.
The Admiral sat staring out the window when the knocking broke his reverie. "Enter."
Lt. Bud Roberts stood at attention until the Admiral spoke, "At ease, Mr. Roberts. What can I do for you?"
"Sir, I just saw Commander Rabb leave. He seemed upset. Is he all right?" Bud looked to his CO with concern.
"The Commander didn't agree that he needed some leave time."
"Sir, permission to speak freely." The Admiral nodded. "The Commander has always pursued a problem until he found an answer. He may be a little obsessive." Bud and the Admiral smiled. "But, sir, his instincts are usually right. From the beginning, he has felt that Corporal Williams did not murder that girl. He has found evidence in past cases because he wouldn't give up until he did. You usually support him when he goes after evidence, but this time..."
"This time I'm tying his hands."
"Yes, Sir. I think the Commander could deal with this whole tragedy if he were allowed to finish the investigation."
"It's out of my hands Lt. It's up to the Attorney General's office to complete this investigation."
"But, sir, I worked with Myers. He has no interest in completing this case."
The Admiral, who had been gazing out the window, turned and faced the junior officer. "I guess he got his free publicity at the expense of Harm and the Williamses." The Admiral replied sarcastically.
He then picked up the phone. "Tiner, get Webb on the phone."
Bud smiled, "Sir, I have copies of the evidence from the Rayborn case."
"Good. I'm going to let Webb track down any interesting information on anyone associated with this case, including Bill Myers."
Mac knocked at the door and stood at attention, anxiously waiting for the Admiral to allow her to speak.
"At ease, Colonel. I've seen the Commander already this morning. I sent him home on medical leave until he receives a clearance from Captain Milsaps. Needless to say, I'm not one of the Commander's favorite people." The Admiral added.
"Well, Sir, that makes you next in line after me. He overheard my phone call to you this morning." Mac sighed.
"I guess we'd better give him some space to cool off. By the way, Mr. Roberts could use some help going over the evidence from the Rayborn murder. I've decided to reopen the investigation of the Carly Sue Speed murder." The Admiral raised an eyebrow.
Mac's worried expression changed, as a big smile formed across her face. "Yes, Sir!"
*************
Harm's anger was all consuming, as his tires squealed when he jammed on the breaks outside his apartment. He took the steps two at a time and threw down his cover and briefcase as he pulled his tie off. He picked up a glass that had been left on the counter that morning and threw it across the room shattering it into a million pieces. He then drew a deep breath and leaned down against the counter, with his hands rubbing his forehead. He couldn't stand it any longer. He had to do something. The nightmares had to stop....
***********
1530
JAG Headquarters
Files were spread over every inch of the large conference room table as Bud and Mac examined each one, looking for a possible clue. Webb had just arrived and was about to share information that would certainly stir everyone's interest, when Gunny interrupted.
"Colonel, there is a Captain Milsaps on the line. He said it was important."
"Thank you, Gunny. Clay, give me a minute." Mac excused herself and headed to her office to answer the phone.
"Colonel Mackenzie, I just called to let you know that Commander Rabb never arrived for his appointment."
Mac had fleeting thoughts of Harm from last night, "I'll go find him. Thanks for calling Captain."
Mac picked up the phone and dialed Harm's apartment and then his cell phone, only receiving an answering machine message. She then headed to the Admiral's office, forgetting to knock. "Sir, I'm sorry, but Commander Rabb didn't go to his appointment. I've tried his apartment and cell phone and couldn't reach him." Her voice anxious.
"Go find him. I'll help Bud and Webb. Call me when you find him."
Mac felt reassured by his affirmative order. He expected her to find him. She grabbed her purse and keys and headed out the door.
*********
His SUV was not at the apartment, but she decided to check anyway. Using the key to his apartment that she kept on her key ring, she slowly opened the door, calling his name. Broken glass crunched under her shoe as she stepped into the dark apartment. Turning on the light, she was immediately concerned when she found broken glass spread on the floor near the door. Afraid of what she may find, she cautiously walked through the apartment, finding it deserted. She walked towards the desk to call the Admiral, when she saw a notepad with Harm's writing.
A flight number and time were written. She dialed the airport and confirmed the flight was to Jackson, Mississippi. Inwardly, she sighed in relief 'Harm would never hurt himself intentionally. He may kill himself seeking the truth about something or trying to rescue a friend, but he would not give up. He had to stop his nightmares, and the only way was to find Carly Sue Speed's murderer'.
Mac called the airport and booked herself an identical flight, only for two hours later. She then swept up the glass smiling to herself, 'I guess he envisioned me coming through the door when he threw that.'
***********
Harm had driven into Boliver as he had done weeks earlier, only this time he went straight to the cafe to see Patti.
Patti was wiping off tables whenever he entered. She smiled upon seeing him, "Commander! You are lookin' good!" Harm had to smile at her, noticing she was no longer pregnant.
"I could say the same about you. You've had your baby. Boy or girl?"
Her smile quickly faded. "I had a little girl. I gave her up for adoption. I wanted her to have a better life than mine."
Harm patted her shoulder sympathetically. "That was a very unselfish thing to do."
"Not really. I wouldn't have had time to take care of a young'un and go to school too." She said sadly.
"Patti, I didn't know you had planned to give your baby up for adoption."
"Oh, I planned it a while back when I figured her father was a loser. I went through a private adoption agency. They paid my medical bills and are going to pay for my tuition to college." She avoided eye contact and continued wiping tables.
"Patti, you will make a good nurse one day." Harm felt pity for this girl who was still in her teens, but had already experienced more in her short life than most in a lifetime.
"Maybe, I want to help people who are suffering. You know, if I can ease their pain or something, maybe it will help me ease mine. You know?" She looked seriously at the man who was not dressed in his uniform, but casually in jeans and polo shirt. He seemed different this time. Maybe it was because he wasn't wearing his uniform. He looked more human. Maybe a little sad, but she didn't feel like he was judging her.
"Yea, I know." A small smile of understanding crossed his face.
"Do you mind if I ask you who the father of your baby is?"
Patti became uncomfortable. "It don't matter. I already gave the baby up, and I know he don't care."
He studied her face, noting the discomfort, and decided not to push the question.
Carly was pregnant, and Patty was pregnant. Neither would tell who were the fathers of their babies. Harm decided to drive to the local high school and talk with Mrs. Fitch. Patti had mentioned how she encouraged her.
**********
Harm waited outside the office after checking in. Classes would be out shortly and Mrs. Fitch would see him then. Harm watched an interaction between a large black teacher and a rather sloppy disinterested young white teen.
"Sonny, you can't expect to pass math if you keep falling asleep in class. Are you using?" The teacher quizzed the youth.
"Honestly, Mr. Moss, I don't use...I have to work at the processing plant. I sweep up after hours and by the time I get in, I don't have much time to sleep. I want to graduate." The youth pleaded with the large man.
"Can't you cut your work hours back?"
"My mom has been sick and can't work. Since my dad left, I'm the only one who can help out. You know I have two little sisters." The boy replied in frustration.
"When do you have to report to work?"
"Five o'clock."
"Why don't you plan to stay after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I'll help you with that math? My wife always sends me too many sandwiches for lunch, so you can grab a coke and have a sandwich before you go to work."
"Thanks, Mr. Moss." The boy's look of relief made Harm smile.
A rather elegant looking woman in her late fifties approached Harm and smiled; "I'm Louise Fitch. I understand you wanted to talk with me."
"I'm Commander Harmon Rabb. I do appreciate your time. I would like to ask you some questions about Carly Sue Speed."
"Now I recognize you, Commander. You're not in uniform." She smiled and led him towards her classroom.
"Commander, I'm sorry about what happened to you and that young Marine. Not everyone in Mississippi is a card carrying member of the KKK." Mrs. Fitch's southern accent only added to her charm.
"I realize that, but I'm here to find out more about Carly Sue. What kind of student was she? Did she have plans for after high school?"
"Carly Sue was a brilliant girl. She made a 34 on the ACT college prep test the first time she took it. Her writing skills were beautiful. I had hoped she would attend college and go into journalism. I know you must find that hard to believe, considering her home life." Mrs. Fitch responded sorrowfully.
"What about Patti Page. The girl that works at the cafe?"
Mrs. Fitch smiled broadly, "She is something. I think she just needs someone to encourage her. She is another smart girl. Loves science and math. I hate that she dropped out of school, but I'm tutoring her to get her GED, so that she can go to college next year."
"Mrs. Fitch do many of the girls find themselves with child?" Harm felt a little embarrassed around this refined woman.
She laughed aloud. "Commander, Mississippi has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the country. This school is no different. They are taught the causes of pregnancy in health, but that doesn't change their behavior. Go to a Friday night football game. You'll see these young girls carrying around their babies, dressed like little dolls, showing them off to all their friends. It's sad, most of them just want to be loved and have someone to love. They just don't realize the responsibility of raising a child." Mrs. Fitch explained.
"But what about Patti? She opted for adoption."
"Yes, I'm seeing more of the girls making that decision and going to college or technical school."
"More girls?"
"Yes, let's see. I remember five girls last year. Then eight the year before."
"All of these girls became pregnant and then had their babies adopted?" Harm felt the statistics were a little high considering the size of the school.
"At least they didn't have abortions."
"I didn't mean to imply that. Were most of these girls Caucasian or African American?"
"Hmm, I believe all, but one, were white. Daphne Ladner just graduated from LSU and will be attending medical school. She was the only black one, I believe."
"Mrs. Fitch, could you make a list of these girls' names? And do you know any of their addresses?"
"Commander, I've been to most of these girls' houses, at one time or another at Christmas. My church prepares Christmas baskets for the poor and all of these girls' families have been recipients. I'll be more than glad to help you. Do you think this has something to do with Carly Sue's death?"
"I don't know. I do appreciate your time." Harm felt excited that he had found a pattern.
As he turned to leave, a black teen stood at Mrs. Fitch's door with tears running down her face. "Mrs. Fitch, can I talk with you?"
Mrs. Fitch signaled her to come in. "Mrs. Fitch, he hit me again. I know I needs to break up with him, but I loves him." She sobbed as Mrs. Fitch embraced her in a big hug and smoothed her hair. Mrs. Fitch nodded at Harm as he shut the door.
He silently agreed with Mrs. Fitch, as he exited the building, 'Not everyone in Mississippi is a card carrying member of the KKK.'
*******************
Harm had visited three of the names on the list. All of the girls had given up their babies for adoption and then attended school out of state. Harm was amazed that scholarship money suddenly became available to each girl, after giving up her baby. Patti had told him the adoptive parents were paying her tuition. Whoever was handling the adoptions seemed to have a steady supply of willing donors.
Harm decided to visit Carly Sue Speed's house. He had not spoken with her mother. Maybe she could shed some light on the investigation. He drove down the gravel road, noticing the darkening sky as a black cloud passed overhead.
Harm knocked on the screen door. An emaciated woman slowly approached the door. "Mrs. Rayborn, I'm Commander Rabb. Could I speak with you a moment?"
The screen door squeaked noisily as she gestured for him to have a seat. Cats were curled up on every chair in the room. A large screen TV took up nearly a whole wall in the filthy room. Harm elected to remain standing as Mrs. Rayborn slouched back into a recliner, sending an upset cat scurrying out of the way.
"Mrs. Rayborn, I'm sorry for your loss." Harm received no response.
"I wanted to ask you some questions about Carly. Did you ever meet any of the boys she dated?" He continued carefully.
"That black kid used to come around till Earl fired a shotgun at him." She laughed at the memory.
"Did you know his name?"
"He was one of them Silas kids from up the road. He joined the Army or something."
"Did Carly see anyone else?"
"You want to know who knocked her up?" The woman chuckled and reached to the floor to pick up a half-empty liquor bottle.
"Do you know who was the father of her baby?"
"Earl thought it was that black kid." She rolled her eyes towards Harm. "I guess that's why he hung him."
Harm breathed deeply and pressed on. "But you know who the father was, don't you, Mrs. Rayborn."
"How do you think we got this TV." She waved her hand towards the wall.
"I don't follow."
"Carly Sue was paid to have that baby. She gave Earl the money to leave her alone."
"Who paid her Mrs. Rayborn?"
"The sheriff. He had that deputy, Billy Wayne, knock her up and then he paid her so she would give it up for some rich folks to adopt. Has a regular racket going, don't he?" She looked blandly at the TV and sipped from the bottle.
"Why didn't you say something?" Harm felt disgusted.
"Who'd believe an ole drunk?" She replied bitterly.
"Did Earl kill Carly Sue?"
"What do you think?" She mumbled, as the alcohol began to dull her even more.
"I think he was too drunk to frame Williams for her murder."
"You're an absolute genius, Commander." She smiled and leaned back drifting into a drunken slumber.
Harm walked back to his car, preoccupied with all the information he had gathered, when the sheriff's patrol car turned into the drive, blocking his car.
Sheriff Carter and Deputy Smith exited the car. "Commander, I'm surprised to see you back here. I figured, after you last visit, you would have found the hospitality here lacking." The Sheriff grinned.
Billy Wayne Smith had pulled his handgun from its holster and was now aiming it at Harm. "You should have stayed back in Washington, boy, and not meddled in our business. I think you need to take a little ride with us. This time you can ride in the back seat. Billy Wayne, put your cuffs on him." The sheriff's southern drawl was thick with disdain.
Harm was pushed into the back seat of the sedan that Carter drove while Billy Wayne followed in Harm's car.
"You set Williams up. You killed Carly Sue Speed." Harm charged.
Harm could see the Sheriff smile in the rearview mirror.
"Why? Was she going to report your little baby selling business?" Harm continued.
"Close. She made an agreement and was going to back out. She was going to run off with that Silas kid. That night at the store I thought it was Silas but I got the wrong Marine." He shrugged his shoulders.
"You set Williams up and let Earl finish the job."
"Earl ain't nothin' but a drunk red neck. He and his buddies, Benny and Joe, were so drunk they didn't know what to believe until I told them. They got all riled up and with a little help busted Williams out of jail. You were a bonus."
"Why didn't Earl turn you in?"
"He didn't know it was me and Billy Wayne helpin'. Earl received a call from a 'so called' Klan leader giving him instructions. He was flattered that a KKK leader would call him personally. We met them dressed in our Klan outfits. Hell, you didn't know I was there did you Commander?" Carter burst out laughing.
Harm began to look for a way to escape, as the car came to a stop along a steep bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.
"Looks like we're here, Commander." The sheriff smiled wickedly.
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