A Soft Seduction Author: skbyrne30 Email: skbyrne30@yahoo.com Rating: PG Summary: Guardian/JAG crossover; Third in the Broken Things Series --+-- Burton Fallin, sat at his desk in his office, the sun, coming from the window gave the room an appealing atmosphere. At 75 years of age, Burton was beginning to fear that he might never see the office the same way again. After many surgeries, nothing has been successful in repairing his vision loss, and at the moment he was waiting for a call from Congressman Walters. Walters had investigated The possibility of admitting Burton to The National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland for a last ditch treatment. The “Flagship of Navy Medicine” was the only hospital in the country equipped for the new optic nerve surgery, and since Burton had tried all other available treatments, he had noting to lose. Burton also had the political influence to gain admission to Bethesda. All that was left to do was get the final clearances, for Nick to accompany him to Maryland, and the security clearance for them both. When phone rang, Burton nearly jumped out of his seat. “Hello?” “Mr. Fallin, Congressman Walters is on the phone for you.” “Thanks Shelia, put him through.” After a brief pause, Burton heard Congressman Walters. “Good Morning Burton.” “Congressman. Please tell me you have some good news.” “As a matter of fact I do, both you and Nick are cleared for admittance to Bethesda Medical Center. You both need to be here by Friday at noon. I’ve cleared it with the Parole board.” “Thank You Congressman. I honestly don’t know if I can ever repay you for this.” “Worry about that after we find out if it works.” “Thank you again.” “Good luck, Burton.” Burton hung up the phone with a small smile on his face. Two days later, Burton and Nick were loading their bags into Nick’s BMW. “OK Dad. Everything’s ready to go.” Nick said optimistically, while closing the trunk. Burton took a deep breath then got into the passenger side. “I hope this is worth it.” Nick had had about enough of Burton’s apprehensions about the surgery. Burton had been making comments like the last one since the congressman called two days earlier. The one thing Nick hadn’t been looking forward to was this drive to DC, stuck in a car for four hours with a cranky Burton. “Dad, tell me again why we couldn’t fly?” “Congressman Walters said the doctors at Bethesda advised against it. The return trip would be to hazardous, so they say.” Nick took a deep breath, “OK” The drive to Washington began normally. Burton and Nick talked about some of the cases they were working on at Fallin and Associates. Then after a brief period of uneasy and awkward silence, Burton decided to try a new topic. “You seem excited to be going to another city. Any particular reason?” Nick thought quickly, “Umm just happy to get out of Pittsburgh for a while, I guess.” “Sure, Son.” Burton said in a half-believing tone. “There’s something else.” “N—no Dad, nothing else.” Nick was getting nervous and turning a light shade of pink. Burton let it sit for a minute, and a look of relief washed over Nick’s features. Then, Burton moved in for the kill. “What’s she look like?” “She’s beautiful, red hair, olive skin, big brown eyes. Hey!” Burton smiled. “Knew it was a woman. OK you’ve gone this far, what’s her name?” “She’s a Marine. Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie.” “Where is she stationed?” “Her office is in Falls Church Virginia, Judge Advocate General’s Corps.” “Marine Lawyer. Tough lady. How did you meet, someone you know in New York?” “No Dad, Not Swan and Cranston. I met her in Pittsburgh, at that meeting I go to. She had a tough day. I—took her out afterward, and we hit it off. She said if I was ever in Washington to look her up.” “How long ago was this?” “About six months.” “Just be careful, Son. A lot can change in that amount of time, but if it didn’t, I get to meet her. Right?” “Sure Dad.” Burton decided to let it drop now even though Nick was going to let him meet the Colonel. Nick never talked about the women in his life, especially to Burton. There must be something special about this one. “Well, I’m going to try and get some sleep. I’m probably going to need it.” Burton leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. Nick put a CD in the player, set it at a reasonable volume and prepared to finish the rest of the drive to Washington. They pulled into the American Inn in Bethesda about two hours later. Nick nudged his father awake, and they went inside. The hotel was nice, not Four Seasons nice, but nice. The rooms were spacious, and both men were happy that they got rooms with lots of sun. Once Burton was settled, he went next door to Nick’s room and knocked on the door. After a minute, Nick answered the door. “I just wanted to let you know, I’m going to stay here for the rest of the day. I need to relax; these procedures always make me a little jumpy. Don’t worry about me.” “But Dad if you need anything.” “Nick, don’t worry about it. Call your Colonel. Believe me, you’ll kick yourself if you don’t. If you really feel obligated to spend time with me, why don’t the three of us go out to dinner later?” “Ok Dad. If you’re sure.” “Of course I’m sure, call her.” Burton turned to go back in his room. Nick leaned against his closed door. For a man who claims he doesn’t know me, he sure knows what to say to make me do what he wants. Then just like his father wanted, Nick went to get Sarah’s card out of his wallet. After about ten minutes of working up the nerve to dial her number, he picked up the phone and did it. One ring, two rings, three rings…. “Good Afternoon, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Lieutenant Simms speaking.” “Good Afternoon Lieutenant. Is Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie there?” “Yes she is, may I ask who’s calling?” “This is Nick Fallin, from Fallin and Associates in Pittsburgh.” “Alright, Sir Hold on one second. Mac was sitting in her office doing some meaningless paperwork, when the phone made the interoffice sound. “Colonel Mackenzie.” “Colonel, there’s a gentleman on the phone, named Nick Fallin” “OH. Harriett, Yeah I’ll talk to him.” Mac waited for the click to signal that the call had been transferred. Then she heard that voice. “Afternoon Sarah, remember me?” How could I forget you? That look that night, the look that I can’t get out of my head. “Nick how are you?” “I’m good. Listen my dad and I are in Bethesda, I was wondering if you’d like to join us for dinner tonight? I’d uh I’d—really like to see you again.” “Ok When and Where?” She swore she could hear him smile. “Umm we’re staying at the American Inn. Could you be here at seven? Room 325” “Sure, no problem.” “And Sarah?” “Yeah?” “Please don’t wear your uniform.” Nick didn’t know where that came from. “Ok. Then what should I wear?” “Knowing my dad, something dressy.” “OK .See you at seven Nick.” “Bye.” “Bye.” Mac hung up the phone and fell back into her chair. Now it’s time to count the minutes before seven. Nick heard a knock on his door exactly at seven o’clock that night. He looked out of the peephole and was happy to see exactly who he was expecting, Sarah Mackenzie not in her uniform. Instead she wore a yellow, spaghetti-strap dress that came just above her knee, black-heeled sandals and carried a small black bag. As soon as the door opened, Mac threw her arms around Nick. He smelled like aftershave soap and shampoo, definitely a good combination. She knew she took him by surprise at first, but was very happy he returned her hug and ended the whole thing with a kiss. Sure it was on the check but at least it was a kiss. Nick closed the door and led her a little further into the room. “I missed you Sarah” “Me too Nick.” There it is again, that look. Nick was standing so close to her that she could feel his breath on her neck, and it was driving her crazy. Amazing what six months apart could do to a person. They stood like that for what felt like an eternity to Mac, but was probably only a few seconds. Then there was another knock at the door. “That’d be Dad. Just a warning, he went to the military academy, never made it past Lieutenant.” “OK” Burton walked into his son’s room, looking around for the Colonel. “Dad,” Nick whispered to his father, “She’s over there, would you relax?” Nick led his father in front of Mac, and began the introductions. “Sarah, this is Burton Fallin, My father. Dad meet Sarah Mackenzie.” “The pleasure is all mine, Ma’am” Burton kissed her hand. Mac blushed bright red. “Not too many people do that Mr. Fallin, especially after they find out I’m a Marine.” They spent the next few minutes exchanging pleasantries, when Burton suggested that they start heading toward Washington, and the Four Seasons hotel. Nick took Mac’s arm and they headed toward the parking garage. The ride to Washington was virtually silent. Burton sat in the front next to Nick and Mac sat in the back. She insisted on this seating arrangement, since the front seat would be easier for Burton to get in and out of. The other advantage to this angle is that she was able to watch Nick unnoticed. He was an attractive man, even from the back. Mac never really noticed his curly blonde hair, but somehow it suited him. The car came to a stop in front of the Four Seasons almost forty minutes later. The traffic was still pretty bad inside the city. Nick helped Mac out of the back seat of the car and Burton went inside for their table. Mac looked around when she got out of the car, and saw a familiar red BMW. Nick felt Mac stiffen up. “Everything OK?” “Yeah sure, just a little cold.” Nick knew that wasn’t the reason at all, since it was eighty-six degrees outside. Something else was going on, but he decided not to press the issue. Nick, Mac and Burton sat at a table for four along the side of the restaurant. Mac and Nick sat facing the rest of the room. Mac kept looking around anxiously. Burton figured nerves, Nick knew it was something else; he wasn’t quite sure what but something else. They got their menus from the waitress and started to decide what to eat. Mac was still amazed at the prices, but knowing what civilian lawyers make it didn’t surprise her. After the waitress took their orders, Burton started the conversation. “Colonel, Nick tells me you spent a little time in Civilian law?” “Yeah I did, at Lowell, Hanson and Lowne in DC. No offence or anything, bur I hated it. Paperwork isn’t for me. And please Mr. Fallin, call me Sarah, or, what everyone else but your son calls me, Mac.” “Ok Mac, then its Burton.” “I worked for that firm right about the time Dalton Lowne was in court against you. I remember him preparing for months. Never saw him so scared.” “That happens. Guess I have a reputation. Nick’s just as bad.” Mac smiled. Then it happened. Clayton Webb was waling toward their table. Mac was dreading this moment. However it didn’t go as planned. “Nick Fallin, long time no see.” Webb had a pleasant smile on his face. “Clayton Webb, what have you been doing since college?” Webb answered without missing a beat, “Working for the State Department.” Webb then said “hello” to the others at the table. “Good Evening Mr. Fallin, nice to see you again.” “Same to you Clay. Anything new?” “Not really work is harder now, with the world situation and all. Nothing we can’t handle.” “Good.” “Colonel Mackenzie, how’re things at JAG?” “You know how they are.” She said curtly. “Clay, you know Sarah?” asked Nick. “Mac and I have worked together on a few occasions. Speaking of which, Mac may I talk to you for a minute?” “Now, is not a good time, Webb” “Go ahead Sarah, if it’s important. My dad and I can amuse ourselves for a little while.” Nick said with a hint of a smile. Mac gave an exasperated look, as Webb pulled out her chair. “I’ll be right back” Once out of earshot of the Fallins, Webb began to talk. “Nice choice Mac.” “Go to hell Webb” They disappeared out the door of the restaurant. “Listen Mac, something’s going to happen here in about two hours. I want the three of you out of here by then ok?” “Well what do I tell them?” “Who knows, just make sure you’re long gone.” “And if we’re not?” “That won’t be an option.” “Can we get back please? I’d like to continue enjoying my evening. Despite the fact that you showed up.” “Such anger Colonel. I thought we were past this stage in our friendship.” “We are, unless you show up uninvited at my dinner table.” Nick and Burton watched Mac and Webb leave the room, and then Nick asked Burton about Mac. “So what’d you think?” “She is beautiful, Son, a good woman too, reminds me a little of your mother.” “How so?” “Both are strong women. Your mother had her problems, but underneath it all she was something else. She had to be, I guess, she was marred to a Fallin.” Nick half smiled. Mac returned to the table just as their food was being served. The three of them talked lightly throughout their meal, about JAG, Corporate law, Nick’s community service and other safe topics. Nick heard a slow song being played over the speakers and watched as a few couples got up to dance. “Sarah, would you like to dance?” “Sure Nick. I’d love to.” Nick took Mac’s hand and led her to the dance floor. Burton watched the two of them from his seat. He’d never seen his son look so happy. They started dancing far apart, then as they got more comfortable with one another, they got closer. Nick’s hands slid a little further down Mac’s back and she rested her head on his shoulder. They looked good together. Nick leaned down toward Mac’s ear. “How bad was this evening?” “It wasn’t, except for Webb. I like your dad a lot.” “I’m glad.” Mac felt Nick pull her a little closer than they were already, if that was possible, and just listened to the music. The song sounded like it was written for them. The words of love Are not enough Though sweet as wine As thick as blood Passionless moments And we are homeless Out on the street But life is cool And things aren’t bad Got what he wants Lost what he had He soon adjusted And got accustomed To these new ways Blame God, how can you lose? Singing such sweet Rhythm and Blues Strange days, she said to me Being in love — don’t mean you’re free But night reveals What daytime hides Who lingers on Who sleeps outside A soft seduction A strong attraction Somewhere downtown A junkie’s song A dancer’s knees The laws of chance Strange as it seems Take us exactly Where we most likely Need to be Neither one of them felt they have been in this, whatever it was long enough to tell the other how they feel. They both lost someone they care about, Nick and Lulu, Mac and Harm. Hopefully, both couples will be happy. So much is keeping them where they are. Mac’s career, Nick’s career, who knows if they’ll ever develop a relationship that’ll last, but right now this works for them. The music ended and Mac and Nick walked back to their table. Burton had already paid for dinner. Mac kept a metal note of the time, 10 minutes remained until Webb’s suggested leaving time. She feigned a yawn then said she had to get up early for work the next morning. Burton and Nick agreed, since Burton had his operation the next day. Ten minutes later, two gunshots were heard, and Clayton Webb left the hotel. They arrived back at the hotel much faster than it took them to go to dinner. Burton said he was going to go up to his room, and suggested that Nick wait with Mac until her car was brought around. “Nick you never told me why you and your dad were here.” “He’s umm, he’s having an eye operation tomorrow at the Naval Medical center.” “Is he ok?” “Yeah, he’s just losing his eyesight. Hopefully this will repair it.” “What time is the operation?” “2PM” “OK.” As she said that her corvette pulled up in front of them. “Well Sarah, I guess this is goodbye for a while.” “I guess so.” They stood in their second awkward silence of the night. This time Nick decided to end it right. He bent down and kissed her. Mac felt her knees go weak. She was just grateful that he didn’t let go right away, or she’d be on the ground. “Goodnight Sarah, see you soon.” “Goodnight Nick.” He waited until she pulled away from the curb and headed to his room. The next day came too quick for Nick and Burton. Before they know it, it was noon and Burton was getting ready for Surgery. Nick sat with his father for the few hours before the operation. They talked about everything, helped them put the impeding events out of their minds. At two o’clock the Doctors came in and ushered Nick out. At JAG, Mac felt it increasingly difficult to concentrate on her work. She eventually went to see Admiral Chegwidden. “Sir?” “Yes Colonel.” “I was wondering if I could have a few hours off.” “Why’s that?” “A friend of mine is having an operation done in the Medical Center Sir. I’m pretty worried about it.” “Is all of the trial work done for your case tomorrow?” “Yes Sir.” “See you tomorrow Mac. I hope everything goes well.” “Thank you Sir.” Mac was waiting for Nick outside the operating room. Nothing should go wrong with this procedure, it was laser surgery, but She cold tell Nick was worried. “He’ll be ok.” “Hope so.” They sat in the hall across form the operating room, hand in hand, waiting for someone to let them know it was OK to see Burton. An hour later a surgeon came out and did just that. “Mr. Fallin, you can go in and see your father. Everything seems to have gone very well. From the looks of things he was the ideal case, if everything goes as it did in the simulations, there should be improvement, but most importantly no more loss.” “That’s great, Doctor.” He felt Mac squeeze his hand. “Unfortunately, even though this is listed as a same day procedure, we’d like to keep him here overnight for observation, as this is a new process.” Nick and Mac headed down the hall toward Burton’s room. They entered together, and both smiled when they saw Burton. “Afternoon Kids.” “Hi Dad.” “Hello Burton. Feeling OK?” “Yeah surprisingly. I’m usually tired after these things.” “Ok I just wanted to be here when t was over. Make sure everything was ok. I’ll see you both soon.” “Bye Mac.” She turned and walked out the door, then headed down the hall. Then Burton looked at Nick. “You know, Son, she didn’t come here for me, she came here for you.” Nick stood up, ran to the door, and yelled “Sarah! Wait!” He sprinted down the hall toward her. “Thank you for coming, it means a lot to my dad, and me” “You’re welcome Nick.” He bent to kiss her again, but she gave him a “not here” look. She gave him a quick kiss instead, then continued on her way down the hall. The last thing she saw before the elevator doors closed was “the look” she just hoped he saw the same thing. THE END