1.1.1.1 Part six for you. Hope u like.
1.1.1.2
1.1.1.3 PART SIX – Appearances can be Deceiving.
Face groaned.
"But Hannibal what about our vacation."
Hannibal gave Face a knowing look.
"It'll have to wait until after, I'm afraid. That family need our help, we can't just leave them to defend for themselves."
Face nodded, downhearted.
"I know, Hannibal."
"It shouldn't take long, kid. It'll be a-"
"-Don't say it, Hannibal. Don't even think about it."
Hannibal smiled and put the cigar back in his mouth.
"You'll have to get Murdock out of the VA tonight. Then as soon as the mission is finished we can go for that well deserved vacation."
***************************************
It had been two days since the meeting with Captain Peterson. Kate had found out no new information from Donaldson, he was going through one of his bad periods again.
Kate had also spent a lot of time with Murdock. He'd told her everything that had happened after she had gone. The fourth tour, the A- Team being sentenced for robbing the Bank of Hanoi and how he had been put in the VA. Kate told him all she knew about the Team's exploits and he told her that he was in fact the fourth member of the Team, which she had no doubt about. He also told her of all the missions that they'd been on and how shocked he had been when he had heard that she had died in a car crash.
She chatted about her life after 'Nam. Joining a hospital and meeting Dr. Richter, then getting involved in the Government which led to her career undercover. She also told him that she had kept a close watch on his life and she confessed into having been to the VA numerous times planning on seeing him but chickening out at the last moment. He said that he had always thought of her and had never truly believed that she had been killed. He said that he could feel it.
It felt like old times to Kate. They had always been able to chat so easily. But she could still sense the slight awkwardness between them. The unspoken subject of their feelings towards each other. She was still deeply in love with him – she could feel it deep inside. And he was also feeling the same way. They had mentioned it when she went to see him the second time but they had decided it best to just be friends and they hadn't spoken of it since.
On the third day she went to the VA as normal, not expecting much from Donaldson. She hadn't been able to get any sense from him at all. She was shocked when she entered Donaldson's room – he was singing again and Kate knew he was back to his normal (if you could call it that) self. She spent the morning with him discussing all sorts of things and she finally felt that she was getting closer. Usually she left him at lunch and would go and see Murdock but as she was so close she went and told Murdock that she would have to see him later that day. He just nodded.
She spent the whole afternoon with Donaldson and finally, around 6.30 she managed to get a name out of him. Peter Hart. She didn't recognise the name.
**************************************
It was dark at this time when Face conned his way into the VA and to Murdock's room. They hadn't told Murdock about the vacation, they'd wanted it to be a surprise, and Face wasn't going to tell him where they were going after this assignment.
************************************
At around the same time Kate left Donaldson and she gets into the lift to go and see Murdock. First though she decides to head down to the reception and grab a coffee and call Steve with her findings. She walks around the corner and over to the drinks machine. Overhearing a familiar voice enter she looks around and immediately recognises the man in fatigues.
Decker.
She turns back round, picking up her coffee, thinking quickly. She had to warn Murdock so that he could warn the Team that Decker was on their trail. She knows that the Team are in the area – Murdock had told her.
She turned, moving calmly back round the corridor hearing the receptionist give Decker a lecture on turning up without warning, then she set off at a jog, trying not to spill her coffee. She jumped into the lift, pressed for Murdock's floor and waited impatiently. When then doors opened she quickly pressed for the top floor and hopped out. That should keep Decker waiting a little while at least, Kate thought knowing that the lift could take ages. She ran down the corridor trying not to make too much sound, or spill her coffee which she was holding in both hands.
At that moment Face was arguing with Murdock in his dark room.
"Come on Murdock, don't be silly, we've got to get out of here."
"I'm not being stupid. I've seen her Faceman."
"Murdock, she died years ago. Now come on, before we get caught, or don't you want to go on holiday later?"
"It's just, I have to see her before we go. I don't have her number!"
"Murdock, lets just get out of here. I know that this week's a hard week for you, but we'll talk about this when we get out of here. Okay?"
Face knew that this was the week in which Murdock had met Kate. They had celebrated every year when he was with her, and ever since she'd left, Murdock always used to go uncharacteristically quiet at this time. Face tried to pull Murdock away from him as he was grabbing onto Face's jacket, trying to get him to listen.
"No Face. We'll talk about this now. She's alive and she's here. You're not listening to-"
Before he could finish the sentence the doors burst open. Kate saw Murdock standing in the middle of the room, mid-sentence. Face was trying to loosen Murdock's grip on his now crumpled clothes. They stopped dead when they heard the door open and stared up at who it was. Kate also looked partly shocked – she hadn't expected anyone else to be there. Murdock looked expectantly at Face, knowing that he had to believe him now. Face's eyes widened.
"Kate...but you're...you were..."
He was so shocked to see her he couldn't finish the sentence.
"That's what I was telling you Faceman! She's alive!"
He smiled at Kate.
"But – but-you-uh-what, what are you-what-?"
Face stuttered.
"Forget the questions – Decker's coming."
Face and Murdock's eyes widened again and they looked at each other. Kate was pulling the thermometer out of her pocket that she had with her out of habit and stuck it into her coffee as she quickly moved forwards placing the coffee cup on the bed-side table and she shoved Face towards the cupboard.
"Get in there and be quiet."
She commanded, shutting the door on him as he opened his mouth to protest. She locked the door and turned to Murdock.
"Take off your jacket and cap and get into bed."
She ordered him as she checks the thermometer. When she looks up he is taking his jacket off slowly in confusion.
"Come on!"
She sounds agitated as she pulls the baseball cap off his head. He handed her his jacket and she threw them onto the chair, then she pushed Murdock into bed and pulled the blankets up to his chin.
"Kate, what are you do-"
He started to ask in confusion. Before he could finish the sentence she pushed the thermometer into his mouth. He mumbled something.
"Shh, God you're slow on the uptake today – look ill!"
She whispered fiercely, hearing footsteps coming towards them. She sits down in the chair by the bed as the door opens and Decker walks in.
"Murdock – oh – " He seems shocked to see that he's not alone. "What's going on here?"
He demanded.
"Shh. He's sick – he's got a bad case of the flu."
On queue Murdock groaned. Decker looked at him as Kate tried to keep a straight face – the groan had sounded quite false.
"What? Give me that!"
He moved forwards and pulled the thermometer from his mouth. He looks at it and is surprised to see it reading up in the 100's.
"He's got a fever!"
"I told you he has the flu! Now would you please leave. He needs peace and quiet."
She commanded, standing up.
"I'm sorry to bother you ma'am."
She moves over to him, forcing him out of the room and took the thermometer from his hand.
"I don't expect to have interruptions like this. Next time..." She looks at the name on his fatigues as if she didn't know his name. "Col. Decker, tell us you are coming instead of just bursting in."
"I have reason to believe that Murdock has connections with the A- Team and I know that they are in the area."
"Captain Murdock is going no-where." Kate flashed Decker a badge from the inside of her jumper. He looks at it one eyebrow raised, in amazement and slight confusion. "I assume you know what this badge means, don't you?"
"Again, I'm sorry to bother you. But you have to understand how dangerous these men are."
"Oh, believe me, I've heard all about them. And I'm telling you that Murdock will be going no-where tonight or for a few nights to come. So you may as well go back to where you came from."
"I'm sorry ma'am, but I can't do that. If the A-Tam are in the area, then it's my duty to stay around. I'll be setting up base a few blocks down and have men patrolling the grounds regularly to keep an eye on the place. If you find anything out I'd like to know."
Kate watched him nod to his men and they all left. Kate watched until they were out of sight before she sighed with relief. She turned and headed back into Murdock's room. He sat up straight away.
"Thank you Kate."
He said getting up and giving her a hug. Then they heard a knocking from the cupboard.
"Uh...guys?" Kate went over and unlocked it. "Thanks...uh, how did you know I was here? And-and what are you doing here?"
"I didn't know you were here. I just came to tell Murdock to warn you that Decker was lurking about. I had to make him think Murdock wouldn't be going anywhere so that he would leave. Now, come on – lets get out of here. Decker's setting up base nearby – keeping an eye on the place. We'll use the back entrance."
She turned to go but he grabbed her arm.
"You didn't answer my question. We heard you were killed, what's going on? And how did you get Decker to leave so quickly?"
"It's a long story, come on."
Murdock started to pull his jacket on.
"No Murdock. You'd better stay here tonight. If Decker comes back, he'll be expecting you to be in bed."
"But-"
"She's right Murdock, we can't take you out. Decker will definitely know that you're part of the Team. Stay here, we'll sort something out."
Kate turned to Murdock.
"I'll come and see you tomorrow."
She nodded to him. He took her hand and gave it a squeeze. She smiled at him, nodded again and headed for the door. She looked out, and spotting no- one, she beckoned to Face and took him down the corridor. Luckily they met no-one and she took him to the back entrance – more like a fire escape. It led right next to the car park and she took him to her car.
Suddenly she spotted a movement nearby and spotted a torch light. Face's back was to the sound, but Kate could see that it was a young MP. Face looked at her, he was standing stock still, also having heard the movement. Without warning Kate grabbed him and pulled him close kissing him full on the lips. For a moment he was stunned, then he realised what she was doing and he responded. He put his arms around her, concealing his face as well as to make it look convincing. The MP looked over, shining a torch on them. Kate looked up at him, hugging Face to her. He was one of the men that was by Decker and he recognised her, nodded and moved away. Kate watched him leave, holding her breath. Once he was out of sight and sound she sighed and let go of Face. Face looks at her stunned.
"Thank you. That was close."
"Let's go before it gets even closer."
He looked at her and smiled. Then he pulled her in and hugged her tight. She hugged him back, then they pulled away.
"I can't believe it's really you. None of us could believe it when we found out you had...well, died."
They both got into her car and she pulled out and turned left on his instructions.
"Murdock wouldn't believe it until we went to your funeral."
"Yeah, I saw you."
"You were there?"
"Yeah. It...it broke my heart to see Murdock like that."
She said quietly. Face gently urged her on, desperate to know why.
"So, you wanna tell me why? Why you, Katherine McKnight, faked her own death? It's just not you."
"Actually, it's Kate Kawalski. Katherine McKnight died over a decade ago."
"Oh...changed your name as well. Come on, Kate, tell me. Please."
She sighed and pulled her collar over so he could see her badge. He stared at it.
"That's...that's...only people working for the government have those."
"Yeah. I'm, well...I suppose you could call me a 'secret agent'."
"Secret agent?! Maybe you should start at the beginning."
"Maybe I should. But there's not really much to tell. After 'Nam I worked in a hospital for a while. One night some men came in with a guy who'd been shot. I treated him. Turned out he worked for a top government agency. Highly classified. And, after I saved his life, they asked me if I wanted to join – be their medical advisor. Turns out the boss remembered my father, he also worked for the government. I decided why not. Had nothing else planned. It did mean, however, that I had to fake my death. The kind of information I would be dealing with was so classified that if I got found out, people that knew me would become targets, so I had to have a whole new identity, a whole new life."
"That's one hell of a sacrifice, and a hell of a risk."
"If you don't take risks in your life for something you believe in, or for your dreams...then you'll never get to where you want to go."
"Now, that's the girl I remember." She smiled.
"Oh, I'm still Kate. Just not many people know that, or see it."
"You uh, must have missed Murdock. I know he missed you."
"More than you can know."
He sat and watched her, he could see the tears glistening in her eyes. She had changed so much. The Kate he knew was quiet, friendly and she cared so much about things, her job, Murdock, her friends. And she was always laughing.
The girl sitting behind the wheel was different, she had an arrogance about her, a defiance, she acted as if she didn't have a care in the world, but at the same time it looked as if she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. She looked tired, but full of energy and in her eyes he could see that there was a hidden pain, a very deep pain. Something he had seen in many people's eyes but never in that of Murdock's girl – her eyes always laughed and people could tell everything about her through her eyes – the window to the soul – which always seemed to be open.
He realised that the past years must have been hard on her and he hoped that Murdock could reach her, reach Kate McKnight.
"Uh, which way now?"
She suddenly said, jolting Face out of this thoughts of the past and back when they were all in 'Nam together. He looked up and saw that they had come to a junction.
"I'm at the, Plaza Hotel. Know where that is?"
"Sure." She turned right. "Still the same old Face Eh? Posh restaurants, five star hotels?"
He laughed.
"Well, what were you expecting?"
She laughed.
"I guess...I dunno, I mean you've been on the run for over ten years. I figured it would have changed you."
"No, I'm still Face. We've all tried to stay the same. We just keep on moving, it uh..."
"Eases the pain."
She said, understanding as if from personal experience. He watched her again.
"I guess so. Never really thought about it."
He sat and watched her expressions for a few minutes until she pulled up to the curb.
"Here you go. Door to door service."
"Thanks. What we going to do about getting Murdock out?"
"Do you know the large Willow tree at the south end of the grounds?"
"I've seen it, yeah, why?"
"Well, there's a gate hidden in the bushes there. Hardly anyone knows about it. I'll get Murdock out into the grounds and we'll sit down on the bench nearest the tree at around 11.30. I'll need one of you to come in, take Murdock out, I'll need to stay behind, make sure the coast is clear. Think you can get in?"
"No problem."
She nodded.
"You can take Murdock out of the gate. It's usually locked from the outside but I'll see to that. Make sure BA's waiting in the van on the south side of the hospital."
Face nodded.
"Thank you."
He smiled, and pulled her in to hug her again.
"It really is great to see you alive and well."
"You too. I've been keeping a close eye on you, try not to get into too much trouble while you're gone, okay?"
He smiled again.
"We'll try."
He got out, closed the door and watched her pull away and drive off down the road. He turned and entered the hotel and strode up to their room.
It took a long time to try and explain everything to a reluctant Hannibal. He was having a hard time believing Face that Kate was still alive. They'd all been to her funeral, they'd seen her being buried and they had all put it behind them. He'd never admitted it, but finding out about Kate's death had affected him more than he thought possible. She had always been full of life, always laughing and to know that she was no longer in that world had hit him hard.
The shock that Hannibal felt turned to anger and he shouted at Face for not having gotten Murdock out of the VA. Face replied calmly that Decker had been hanging around and that if it hadn't been for Kate, then they'd have been caught. Then Face had to tell Hannibal about Kate being a secret service agent. Well, that sent Hannibal over the edge and he exploded saying that Kate would never be a part of something like that, that it wasn't in her nature. Face had retaliated back that people can change and that Hannibal should have some faith in him to tell him the truth about something so serious.
It worked and Hannibal just stood and looked at his Lieutenant, then apologised as he sat down, saying that it was just hard to take it all in. Face sat next to him and agreed. He said that he wouldn't have believed himself if he hadn't seen her.
After a while Hannibal asked if Kate could be trusted now that she was working for the government. Face said that she was still Kate, deep inside. But he warns Hannibal that the years haven't been good on her. That she's different on the outside, tougher.
Face told him the plan and Hannibal trusted Face and Murdock's judgement and decided to go along with it. But just in case he made a plan B for them if anything should go wrong. He told Face that he would go and meet them, he'd wear his old porter disguise.
1.1.1.4
************************************
So, around 11.20 Murdock and Kate left his room and headed into the gardens. She'd explained everything when she had turned up at 10.30. He asked how Face had been after they had left. Kate told him that he'd been more than just shocked and wondered how Hannibal was taking it all. Murdock said probably not too well either. He informed Kate that Hannibal had taken her death almost as bad as him. And although he had tried not to show it, Murdock knew.
The information shocked Kate, Hannibal had never seemed to pay Kate much attention, of course he had liked her and they chatted but he always seemed too Military to actually get to know her better, but somehow...without Kate noticing he had known her, he had understood her. Kate realised that she had greatly underestimated him. She'd always seen him as a father figure but figured that he didn't see that, or just didn't care.
Kate and Murdock sat down on the bench nearest the gate and chatted, keeping an eye out for one of the Team.
"Before you go, Murdock, we need to get something straight."
"Yeah, I know. Us."
Kate nodded.
"We can't just jump back into this. It's been too long. Even though I'm dying to kiss you again, I know it's wrong. We need to start this slowly, I don't think I can...just go back to how it was. I hope you can understand that."
"I completely understand that. It's okay. I feel the same, sort of. We'll take it...slowly."
Kate smiled.
"Thanks Murdock."
From afar Hannibal, dressed in his white porter disguise, watched them. All that night he'd been up thinking. He couldn't get it through his head that Kate was alive. And he still hadn't believed it as he'd gotten changed and had snuck into the VA.
She had always been so open to him, and he had pushed her away on more than one occasion. It had just been his way of dealing with people. He didn't want to let them get too close, didn't want them getting hurt. The only ones who knew the real him back in 'Nam had been BA, Face and Murdock. Kate had never noticed the looks he'd given her, or the admiration in his voice when he spoke of her...didn't want her getting too close...or he didn't want to get too close. He thought of her as the daughter he never had -– so full of life...even in a place full of death. He always looked forward to seeing her smile when they came back from a mission – almost as much as Murdock did.
And now, he watched in stunned silence as Murdock and Kate walked over to the bench that was in his line of sight. It was her. There was no mistaking her smile, her eyes, the way she held herself. It was Kate.
For a moment he just stood there watching, then as he looked down at his watched it was exactly 11.30 and he moved out of the shadows and rambled over to them.
Kate and Murdock looked up as they heard the old man move over.
"It's Hannibal."
Murdock whispered to Kate. Kate stared at the guy as he ambled over to the bench. He was bent almost double and had greying hair and beard.
"You've got to be kidding me."
She whispered back.
"No, it's his famous Porter disguise. Recognise it anywhere."
Kate stood as the man reached them. So did Murdock.
"The famous porter disguise, Eh, Colonel?"
"Are we clear from MP's?"
Murdock glances around.
"It's clear, Colonel."
"Wait."
Kate suddenly says. She sits back down and looks down.
"Guy, over by the fountain."
Hannibal sits down beside her where he can look at the fountain without suspicion.
"It's an orderly."
"No, it's one of Decker's MP's. I recognise him from last night."
Hannibal turned and looked at her. She was still staring over at the orderly.
"Decker's certainly learning."
She stated.
"He sure is."
Murdock agreed. He was still standing up and half bouncing about, then he stopped and stood between the bench and the orderly so he couldn't see them directly. Kate turned her head and found herself looking straight into the old porters eyes. They shimmered that crystal blue she remembered so well and she smiled.
"It's good to see you, Hannibal."
She said seriously.
"It's a shock to see you. I have to admit I didn't believe Face when he first told me."
Kate smiled at him, then opened her mouth in shock as he pulled her into an embrace.
"I've missed you, kid."
He whispered into her ear. She closed her eyes and smiled, comfortable. Then they pulled away.
"For a dead girl, you look pretty good."
Kate laughed.
"Now, you wanna tell me where this gate is? The sooner we get out of here the sooner we can talk."
He said looking around.
"Right over there."
She nodded her head towards the right. He glanced around.
"I don't see it."
"That's the beauty of it. You can't see it from the grounds. It's hidden by the bushes. It's usually locked from the outside but I sorted that out this morning."
"So, what's the plan?"
"I'll distract the orderly while you and Murdock go for a walk. As soon as I'm out of your sight get into the bushes."
Hannibal nodded.
"What about you?"
"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."
Hannibal stared at her.
"God, you're so different."
Kate smiled at him.
"I'm still me. Just a bit older, a bit wiser."
Hannibal saw a spark of something deep in her eyes. It looked liked sorrow. It startled him, he hadn't been prepared to see that emotion within her. Her eyes always danced with laughter and happiness, not with what he saw now, not with sorrow, pain. He made a mental note to ask Murdock what he knew about her life after 'Nam. Because something had seriously affected the young girl. Kate stood and stepped up to Murdock.
"I'll see you around. Be careful."
Murdock smiled.
"Always. I'll give you a ring when we get back. We still have a lot to talk about."
Kate nodded.
"Now. Go."
"I miss you already."
"I miss you too."
And with that Kate walked towards the orderly. Murdock and Hannibal watched her leave.
"God, Murdock, I can't believe it's her."
"Neither could I when I first saw her. I've missed her so much."
"Me too, Murdock."
They started to stroll towards the trees but not making it look too obvious.
"But there's something not right with her, I'm sure you noticed."
"Couldn't miss it, Colonel."
He said sadly.
"Have you talked about it?"
Murdock glanced at the Colonel, then back at his feet.
"She...the years haven't been good to her, Colonel. She used to be such a free spirit, now she looks like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. I found out she was injured almost a year ago. She was shot a few times. They still haven't healed Hannibal. It's been almost a year and they still haven't healed."
"That's not right."
Hannibal said sadly, then noticed Kate and the orderly moving around the corner.
"Now, Murdock."
He ordered and they both marched into the trees, making sure no-one else was about to see them. They walked through the bushes until they came to a wall of hedge.
"Check to the left Murdock, I'll go right."
They separated and started checking the hedge. After a few moments Murdock called out.
"Over here, Colonel."
Hannibal joined him and Murdock parted the hedge. There was a wooden gate there.
"Good on you, Kate."
He smiled and pushed down the handle. The gate swung out and Hannibal glanced out. There were more bushes on the other side so no-one would see them leave. They stepped through and Hannibal carefully closed the gate behind him and they stepped through the trees to find themselves suddenly by the main sidewalk.
"Wow. That was easy. We'll have to remember that for future reference."
Murdock stated. Hannibal led him over the road to where a car was parked, and they jumped in.
"Well, Colonel?"
Face asked.
"I would have never believed it if I hadn't seen it."
"So lil sis is still alive?"
BA asked.
"She sure is, BA."
Murdock smiled.
"I just wish she looked better than she does."
Hannibal replied sadly.
"What do you mean?"
BA questioned as he pulled out and drove down the road, in the opposite direction of Decker's base camp.
"Turns out she's been through a lot this past decade. What with working undercover and being injured. Looks like the lifestyle's getting to her."
"Injured? What are you talking about?"
Face questioned. It was news to him.
"She was shot, Faceman. Last year. She still hasn't gotten over it. But she won't admit it. And she's been having nightmares about it. You know like back in 'Nam and about her parents. But these are worse. Much worse."
There was silence for a moment. Just the noise of the car's engine. BA wasn't too happy about driving the car but they couldn't very well drive the van. Decker would have recognised it instantly.
They all knew about nightmares, they'd all had their fair share of them back in 'Nam including Kate. But Kate had other ones. Like the night her parents were killed. They'd all heard her relieving that night, even if she couldn't remember it.
"It's strange, she's still Kate...inside...I can still feel her...but she acts so differently. We need to get her back guys. I owe her that. We need to find the old Kate, wherever she may be. You with me?"
"I'll be with you all the way, Captain."
Hannibal nodded.
"Count me in Murdock."
Face smiled.
"Me too."
BA agreed.
Well...? Good? Bad? Terrible? Please R and R.
1.1.1.2
1.1.1.3 PART SIX – Appearances can be Deceiving.
Face groaned.
"But Hannibal what about our vacation."
Hannibal gave Face a knowing look.
"It'll have to wait until after, I'm afraid. That family need our help, we can't just leave them to defend for themselves."
Face nodded, downhearted.
"I know, Hannibal."
"It shouldn't take long, kid. It'll be a-"
"-Don't say it, Hannibal. Don't even think about it."
Hannibal smiled and put the cigar back in his mouth.
"You'll have to get Murdock out of the VA tonight. Then as soon as the mission is finished we can go for that well deserved vacation."
***************************************
It had been two days since the meeting with Captain Peterson. Kate had found out no new information from Donaldson, he was going through one of his bad periods again.
Kate had also spent a lot of time with Murdock. He'd told her everything that had happened after she had gone. The fourth tour, the A- Team being sentenced for robbing the Bank of Hanoi and how he had been put in the VA. Kate told him all she knew about the Team's exploits and he told her that he was in fact the fourth member of the Team, which she had no doubt about. He also told her of all the missions that they'd been on and how shocked he had been when he had heard that she had died in a car crash.
She chatted about her life after 'Nam. Joining a hospital and meeting Dr. Richter, then getting involved in the Government which led to her career undercover. She also told him that she had kept a close watch on his life and she confessed into having been to the VA numerous times planning on seeing him but chickening out at the last moment. He said that he had always thought of her and had never truly believed that she had been killed. He said that he could feel it.
It felt like old times to Kate. They had always been able to chat so easily. But she could still sense the slight awkwardness between them. The unspoken subject of their feelings towards each other. She was still deeply in love with him – she could feel it deep inside. And he was also feeling the same way. They had mentioned it when she went to see him the second time but they had decided it best to just be friends and they hadn't spoken of it since.
On the third day she went to the VA as normal, not expecting much from Donaldson. She hadn't been able to get any sense from him at all. She was shocked when she entered Donaldson's room – he was singing again and Kate knew he was back to his normal (if you could call it that) self. She spent the morning with him discussing all sorts of things and she finally felt that she was getting closer. Usually she left him at lunch and would go and see Murdock but as she was so close she went and told Murdock that she would have to see him later that day. He just nodded.
She spent the whole afternoon with Donaldson and finally, around 6.30 she managed to get a name out of him. Peter Hart. She didn't recognise the name.
**************************************
It was dark at this time when Face conned his way into the VA and to Murdock's room. They hadn't told Murdock about the vacation, they'd wanted it to be a surprise, and Face wasn't going to tell him where they were going after this assignment.
************************************
At around the same time Kate left Donaldson and she gets into the lift to go and see Murdock. First though she decides to head down to the reception and grab a coffee and call Steve with her findings. She walks around the corner and over to the drinks machine. Overhearing a familiar voice enter she looks around and immediately recognises the man in fatigues.
Decker.
She turns back round, picking up her coffee, thinking quickly. She had to warn Murdock so that he could warn the Team that Decker was on their trail. She knows that the Team are in the area – Murdock had told her.
She turned, moving calmly back round the corridor hearing the receptionist give Decker a lecture on turning up without warning, then she set off at a jog, trying not to spill her coffee. She jumped into the lift, pressed for Murdock's floor and waited impatiently. When then doors opened she quickly pressed for the top floor and hopped out. That should keep Decker waiting a little while at least, Kate thought knowing that the lift could take ages. She ran down the corridor trying not to make too much sound, or spill her coffee which she was holding in both hands.
At that moment Face was arguing with Murdock in his dark room.
"Come on Murdock, don't be silly, we've got to get out of here."
"I'm not being stupid. I've seen her Faceman."
"Murdock, she died years ago. Now come on, before we get caught, or don't you want to go on holiday later?"
"It's just, I have to see her before we go. I don't have her number!"
"Murdock, lets just get out of here. I know that this week's a hard week for you, but we'll talk about this when we get out of here. Okay?"
Face knew that this was the week in which Murdock had met Kate. They had celebrated every year when he was with her, and ever since she'd left, Murdock always used to go uncharacteristically quiet at this time. Face tried to pull Murdock away from him as he was grabbing onto Face's jacket, trying to get him to listen.
"No Face. We'll talk about this now. She's alive and she's here. You're not listening to-"
Before he could finish the sentence the doors burst open. Kate saw Murdock standing in the middle of the room, mid-sentence. Face was trying to loosen Murdock's grip on his now crumpled clothes. They stopped dead when they heard the door open and stared up at who it was. Kate also looked partly shocked – she hadn't expected anyone else to be there. Murdock looked expectantly at Face, knowing that he had to believe him now. Face's eyes widened.
"Kate...but you're...you were..."
He was so shocked to see her he couldn't finish the sentence.
"That's what I was telling you Faceman! She's alive!"
He smiled at Kate.
"But – but-you-uh-what, what are you-what-?"
Face stuttered.
"Forget the questions – Decker's coming."
Face and Murdock's eyes widened again and they looked at each other. Kate was pulling the thermometer out of her pocket that she had with her out of habit and stuck it into her coffee as she quickly moved forwards placing the coffee cup on the bed-side table and she shoved Face towards the cupboard.
"Get in there and be quiet."
She commanded, shutting the door on him as he opened his mouth to protest. She locked the door and turned to Murdock.
"Take off your jacket and cap and get into bed."
She ordered him as she checks the thermometer. When she looks up he is taking his jacket off slowly in confusion.
"Come on!"
She sounds agitated as she pulls the baseball cap off his head. He handed her his jacket and she threw them onto the chair, then she pushed Murdock into bed and pulled the blankets up to his chin.
"Kate, what are you do-"
He started to ask in confusion. Before he could finish the sentence she pushed the thermometer into his mouth. He mumbled something.
"Shh, God you're slow on the uptake today – look ill!"
She whispered fiercely, hearing footsteps coming towards them. She sits down in the chair by the bed as the door opens and Decker walks in.
"Murdock – oh – " He seems shocked to see that he's not alone. "What's going on here?"
He demanded.
"Shh. He's sick – he's got a bad case of the flu."
On queue Murdock groaned. Decker looked at him as Kate tried to keep a straight face – the groan had sounded quite false.
"What? Give me that!"
He moved forwards and pulled the thermometer from his mouth. He looks at it and is surprised to see it reading up in the 100's.
"He's got a fever!"
"I told you he has the flu! Now would you please leave. He needs peace and quiet."
She commanded, standing up.
"I'm sorry to bother you ma'am."
She moves over to him, forcing him out of the room and took the thermometer from his hand.
"I don't expect to have interruptions like this. Next time..." She looks at the name on his fatigues as if she didn't know his name. "Col. Decker, tell us you are coming instead of just bursting in."
"I have reason to believe that Murdock has connections with the A- Team and I know that they are in the area."
"Captain Murdock is going no-where." Kate flashed Decker a badge from the inside of her jumper. He looks at it one eyebrow raised, in amazement and slight confusion. "I assume you know what this badge means, don't you?"
"Again, I'm sorry to bother you. But you have to understand how dangerous these men are."
"Oh, believe me, I've heard all about them. And I'm telling you that Murdock will be going no-where tonight or for a few nights to come. So you may as well go back to where you came from."
"I'm sorry ma'am, but I can't do that. If the A-Tam are in the area, then it's my duty to stay around. I'll be setting up base a few blocks down and have men patrolling the grounds regularly to keep an eye on the place. If you find anything out I'd like to know."
Kate watched him nod to his men and they all left. Kate watched until they were out of sight before she sighed with relief. She turned and headed back into Murdock's room. He sat up straight away.
"Thank you Kate."
He said getting up and giving her a hug. Then they heard a knocking from the cupboard.
"Uh...guys?" Kate went over and unlocked it. "Thanks...uh, how did you know I was here? And-and what are you doing here?"
"I didn't know you were here. I just came to tell Murdock to warn you that Decker was lurking about. I had to make him think Murdock wouldn't be going anywhere so that he would leave. Now, come on – lets get out of here. Decker's setting up base nearby – keeping an eye on the place. We'll use the back entrance."
She turned to go but he grabbed her arm.
"You didn't answer my question. We heard you were killed, what's going on? And how did you get Decker to leave so quickly?"
"It's a long story, come on."
Murdock started to pull his jacket on.
"No Murdock. You'd better stay here tonight. If Decker comes back, he'll be expecting you to be in bed."
"But-"
"She's right Murdock, we can't take you out. Decker will definitely know that you're part of the Team. Stay here, we'll sort something out."
Kate turned to Murdock.
"I'll come and see you tomorrow."
She nodded to him. He took her hand and gave it a squeeze. She smiled at him, nodded again and headed for the door. She looked out, and spotting no- one, she beckoned to Face and took him down the corridor. Luckily they met no-one and she took him to the back entrance – more like a fire escape. It led right next to the car park and she took him to her car.
Suddenly she spotted a movement nearby and spotted a torch light. Face's back was to the sound, but Kate could see that it was a young MP. Face looked at her, he was standing stock still, also having heard the movement. Without warning Kate grabbed him and pulled him close kissing him full on the lips. For a moment he was stunned, then he realised what she was doing and he responded. He put his arms around her, concealing his face as well as to make it look convincing. The MP looked over, shining a torch on them. Kate looked up at him, hugging Face to her. He was one of the men that was by Decker and he recognised her, nodded and moved away. Kate watched him leave, holding her breath. Once he was out of sight and sound she sighed and let go of Face. Face looks at her stunned.
"Thank you. That was close."
"Let's go before it gets even closer."
He looked at her and smiled. Then he pulled her in and hugged her tight. She hugged him back, then they pulled away.
"I can't believe it's really you. None of us could believe it when we found out you had...well, died."
They both got into her car and she pulled out and turned left on his instructions.
"Murdock wouldn't believe it until we went to your funeral."
"Yeah, I saw you."
"You were there?"
"Yeah. It...it broke my heart to see Murdock like that."
She said quietly. Face gently urged her on, desperate to know why.
"So, you wanna tell me why? Why you, Katherine McKnight, faked her own death? It's just not you."
"Actually, it's Kate Kawalski. Katherine McKnight died over a decade ago."
"Oh...changed your name as well. Come on, Kate, tell me. Please."
She sighed and pulled her collar over so he could see her badge. He stared at it.
"That's...that's...only people working for the government have those."
"Yeah. I'm, well...I suppose you could call me a 'secret agent'."
"Secret agent?! Maybe you should start at the beginning."
"Maybe I should. But there's not really much to tell. After 'Nam I worked in a hospital for a while. One night some men came in with a guy who'd been shot. I treated him. Turned out he worked for a top government agency. Highly classified. And, after I saved his life, they asked me if I wanted to join – be their medical advisor. Turns out the boss remembered my father, he also worked for the government. I decided why not. Had nothing else planned. It did mean, however, that I had to fake my death. The kind of information I would be dealing with was so classified that if I got found out, people that knew me would become targets, so I had to have a whole new identity, a whole new life."
"That's one hell of a sacrifice, and a hell of a risk."
"If you don't take risks in your life for something you believe in, or for your dreams...then you'll never get to where you want to go."
"Now, that's the girl I remember." She smiled.
"Oh, I'm still Kate. Just not many people know that, or see it."
"You uh, must have missed Murdock. I know he missed you."
"More than you can know."
He sat and watched her, he could see the tears glistening in her eyes. She had changed so much. The Kate he knew was quiet, friendly and she cared so much about things, her job, Murdock, her friends. And she was always laughing.
The girl sitting behind the wheel was different, she had an arrogance about her, a defiance, she acted as if she didn't have a care in the world, but at the same time it looked as if she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. She looked tired, but full of energy and in her eyes he could see that there was a hidden pain, a very deep pain. Something he had seen in many people's eyes but never in that of Murdock's girl – her eyes always laughed and people could tell everything about her through her eyes – the window to the soul – which always seemed to be open.
He realised that the past years must have been hard on her and he hoped that Murdock could reach her, reach Kate McKnight.
"Uh, which way now?"
She suddenly said, jolting Face out of this thoughts of the past and back when they were all in 'Nam together. He looked up and saw that they had come to a junction.
"I'm at the, Plaza Hotel. Know where that is?"
"Sure." She turned right. "Still the same old Face Eh? Posh restaurants, five star hotels?"
He laughed.
"Well, what were you expecting?"
She laughed.
"I guess...I dunno, I mean you've been on the run for over ten years. I figured it would have changed you."
"No, I'm still Face. We've all tried to stay the same. We just keep on moving, it uh..."
"Eases the pain."
She said, understanding as if from personal experience. He watched her again.
"I guess so. Never really thought about it."
He sat and watched her expressions for a few minutes until she pulled up to the curb.
"Here you go. Door to door service."
"Thanks. What we going to do about getting Murdock out?"
"Do you know the large Willow tree at the south end of the grounds?"
"I've seen it, yeah, why?"
"Well, there's a gate hidden in the bushes there. Hardly anyone knows about it. I'll get Murdock out into the grounds and we'll sit down on the bench nearest the tree at around 11.30. I'll need one of you to come in, take Murdock out, I'll need to stay behind, make sure the coast is clear. Think you can get in?"
"No problem."
She nodded.
"You can take Murdock out of the gate. It's usually locked from the outside but I'll see to that. Make sure BA's waiting in the van on the south side of the hospital."
Face nodded.
"Thank you."
He smiled, and pulled her in to hug her again.
"It really is great to see you alive and well."
"You too. I've been keeping a close eye on you, try not to get into too much trouble while you're gone, okay?"
He smiled again.
"We'll try."
He got out, closed the door and watched her pull away and drive off down the road. He turned and entered the hotel and strode up to their room.
It took a long time to try and explain everything to a reluctant Hannibal. He was having a hard time believing Face that Kate was still alive. They'd all been to her funeral, they'd seen her being buried and they had all put it behind them. He'd never admitted it, but finding out about Kate's death had affected him more than he thought possible. She had always been full of life, always laughing and to know that she was no longer in that world had hit him hard.
The shock that Hannibal felt turned to anger and he shouted at Face for not having gotten Murdock out of the VA. Face replied calmly that Decker had been hanging around and that if it hadn't been for Kate, then they'd have been caught. Then Face had to tell Hannibal about Kate being a secret service agent. Well, that sent Hannibal over the edge and he exploded saying that Kate would never be a part of something like that, that it wasn't in her nature. Face had retaliated back that people can change and that Hannibal should have some faith in him to tell him the truth about something so serious.
It worked and Hannibal just stood and looked at his Lieutenant, then apologised as he sat down, saying that it was just hard to take it all in. Face sat next to him and agreed. He said that he wouldn't have believed himself if he hadn't seen her.
After a while Hannibal asked if Kate could be trusted now that she was working for the government. Face said that she was still Kate, deep inside. But he warns Hannibal that the years haven't been good on her. That she's different on the outside, tougher.
Face told him the plan and Hannibal trusted Face and Murdock's judgement and decided to go along with it. But just in case he made a plan B for them if anything should go wrong. He told Face that he would go and meet them, he'd wear his old porter disguise.
1.1.1.4
************************************
So, around 11.20 Murdock and Kate left his room and headed into the gardens. She'd explained everything when she had turned up at 10.30. He asked how Face had been after they had left. Kate told him that he'd been more than just shocked and wondered how Hannibal was taking it all. Murdock said probably not too well either. He informed Kate that Hannibal had taken her death almost as bad as him. And although he had tried not to show it, Murdock knew.
The information shocked Kate, Hannibal had never seemed to pay Kate much attention, of course he had liked her and they chatted but he always seemed too Military to actually get to know her better, but somehow...without Kate noticing he had known her, he had understood her. Kate realised that she had greatly underestimated him. She'd always seen him as a father figure but figured that he didn't see that, or just didn't care.
Kate and Murdock sat down on the bench nearest the gate and chatted, keeping an eye out for one of the Team.
"Before you go, Murdock, we need to get something straight."
"Yeah, I know. Us."
Kate nodded.
"We can't just jump back into this. It's been too long. Even though I'm dying to kiss you again, I know it's wrong. We need to start this slowly, I don't think I can...just go back to how it was. I hope you can understand that."
"I completely understand that. It's okay. I feel the same, sort of. We'll take it...slowly."
Kate smiled.
"Thanks Murdock."
From afar Hannibal, dressed in his white porter disguise, watched them. All that night he'd been up thinking. He couldn't get it through his head that Kate was alive. And he still hadn't believed it as he'd gotten changed and had snuck into the VA.
She had always been so open to him, and he had pushed her away on more than one occasion. It had just been his way of dealing with people. He didn't want to let them get too close, didn't want them getting hurt. The only ones who knew the real him back in 'Nam had been BA, Face and Murdock. Kate had never noticed the looks he'd given her, or the admiration in his voice when he spoke of her...didn't want her getting too close...or he didn't want to get too close. He thought of her as the daughter he never had -– so full of life...even in a place full of death. He always looked forward to seeing her smile when they came back from a mission – almost as much as Murdock did.
And now, he watched in stunned silence as Murdock and Kate walked over to the bench that was in his line of sight. It was her. There was no mistaking her smile, her eyes, the way she held herself. It was Kate.
For a moment he just stood there watching, then as he looked down at his watched it was exactly 11.30 and he moved out of the shadows and rambled over to them.
Kate and Murdock looked up as they heard the old man move over.
"It's Hannibal."
Murdock whispered to Kate. Kate stared at the guy as he ambled over to the bench. He was bent almost double and had greying hair and beard.
"You've got to be kidding me."
She whispered back.
"No, it's his famous Porter disguise. Recognise it anywhere."
Kate stood as the man reached them. So did Murdock.
"The famous porter disguise, Eh, Colonel?"
"Are we clear from MP's?"
Murdock glances around.
"It's clear, Colonel."
"Wait."
Kate suddenly says. She sits back down and looks down.
"Guy, over by the fountain."
Hannibal sits down beside her where he can look at the fountain without suspicion.
"It's an orderly."
"No, it's one of Decker's MP's. I recognise him from last night."
Hannibal turned and looked at her. She was still staring over at the orderly.
"Decker's certainly learning."
She stated.
"He sure is."
Murdock agreed. He was still standing up and half bouncing about, then he stopped and stood between the bench and the orderly so he couldn't see them directly. Kate turned her head and found herself looking straight into the old porters eyes. They shimmered that crystal blue she remembered so well and she smiled.
"It's good to see you, Hannibal."
She said seriously.
"It's a shock to see you. I have to admit I didn't believe Face when he first told me."
Kate smiled at him, then opened her mouth in shock as he pulled her into an embrace.
"I've missed you, kid."
He whispered into her ear. She closed her eyes and smiled, comfortable. Then they pulled away.
"For a dead girl, you look pretty good."
Kate laughed.
"Now, you wanna tell me where this gate is? The sooner we get out of here the sooner we can talk."
He said looking around.
"Right over there."
She nodded her head towards the right. He glanced around.
"I don't see it."
"That's the beauty of it. You can't see it from the grounds. It's hidden by the bushes. It's usually locked from the outside but I sorted that out this morning."
"So, what's the plan?"
"I'll distract the orderly while you and Murdock go for a walk. As soon as I'm out of your sight get into the bushes."
Hannibal nodded.
"What about you?"
"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."
Hannibal stared at her.
"God, you're so different."
Kate smiled at him.
"I'm still me. Just a bit older, a bit wiser."
Hannibal saw a spark of something deep in her eyes. It looked liked sorrow. It startled him, he hadn't been prepared to see that emotion within her. Her eyes always danced with laughter and happiness, not with what he saw now, not with sorrow, pain. He made a mental note to ask Murdock what he knew about her life after 'Nam. Because something had seriously affected the young girl. Kate stood and stepped up to Murdock.
"I'll see you around. Be careful."
Murdock smiled.
"Always. I'll give you a ring when we get back. We still have a lot to talk about."
Kate nodded.
"Now. Go."
"I miss you already."
"I miss you too."
And with that Kate walked towards the orderly. Murdock and Hannibal watched her leave.
"God, Murdock, I can't believe it's her."
"Neither could I when I first saw her. I've missed her so much."
"Me too, Murdock."
They started to stroll towards the trees but not making it look too obvious.
"But there's something not right with her, I'm sure you noticed."
"Couldn't miss it, Colonel."
He said sadly.
"Have you talked about it?"
Murdock glanced at the Colonel, then back at his feet.
"She...the years haven't been good to her, Colonel. She used to be such a free spirit, now she looks like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. I found out she was injured almost a year ago. She was shot a few times. They still haven't healed Hannibal. It's been almost a year and they still haven't healed."
"That's not right."
Hannibal said sadly, then noticed Kate and the orderly moving around the corner.
"Now, Murdock."
He ordered and they both marched into the trees, making sure no-one else was about to see them. They walked through the bushes until they came to a wall of hedge.
"Check to the left Murdock, I'll go right."
They separated and started checking the hedge. After a few moments Murdock called out.
"Over here, Colonel."
Hannibal joined him and Murdock parted the hedge. There was a wooden gate there.
"Good on you, Kate."
He smiled and pushed down the handle. The gate swung out and Hannibal glanced out. There were more bushes on the other side so no-one would see them leave. They stepped through and Hannibal carefully closed the gate behind him and they stepped through the trees to find themselves suddenly by the main sidewalk.
"Wow. That was easy. We'll have to remember that for future reference."
Murdock stated. Hannibal led him over the road to where a car was parked, and they jumped in.
"Well, Colonel?"
Face asked.
"I would have never believed it if I hadn't seen it."
"So lil sis is still alive?"
BA asked.
"She sure is, BA."
Murdock smiled.
"I just wish she looked better than she does."
Hannibal replied sadly.
"What do you mean?"
BA questioned as he pulled out and drove down the road, in the opposite direction of Decker's base camp.
"Turns out she's been through a lot this past decade. What with working undercover and being injured. Looks like the lifestyle's getting to her."
"Injured? What are you talking about?"
Face questioned. It was news to him.
"She was shot, Faceman. Last year. She still hasn't gotten over it. But she won't admit it. And she's been having nightmares about it. You know like back in 'Nam and about her parents. But these are worse. Much worse."
There was silence for a moment. Just the noise of the car's engine. BA wasn't too happy about driving the car but they couldn't very well drive the van. Decker would have recognised it instantly.
They all knew about nightmares, they'd all had their fair share of them back in 'Nam including Kate. But Kate had other ones. Like the night her parents were killed. They'd all heard her relieving that night, even if she couldn't remember it.
"It's strange, she's still Kate...inside...I can still feel her...but she acts so differently. We need to get her back guys. I owe her that. We need to find the old Kate, wherever she may be. You with me?"
"I'll be with you all the way, Captain."
Hannibal nodded.
"Count me in Murdock."
Face smiled.
"Me too."
BA agreed.
Well...? Good? Bad? Terrible? Please R and R.