CHAPTER SEVEN
Three years later
*** Katie opened the door of the elevator at Level 2 and stepped inside the crowded waiting area of the Fort Owen Military Court. It was packed with press officers and witnesses, all wanting a place in history. The trial of three men who had been on the run for nearly 5 years; the trial of the A- Team.
She didn't want to be seen and looked around fervently for the one person she least wanted to see right now, she knew he'd be here sooner or later. He would hardly miss the trial that would decide the fate of his closest friends, possibly his only friends.
Like countless others she had been shocked to learn of the arrest of the A- Team but unlike many of those people she had not been pleased to hear the news, she had been devastated. They had been her father's friends; he would have had a fit if he had known what was happening now, that they were on trial for a crime they had not committed. But Tony Anderson was long since dead and the events that were unfolding were no concern of his.
She was there to give evidence, although she had been only a child at the time of the team's initial arrest, she still might hold clues that could be vital to the case, her mother was here too somewhere. Behind her she heard a soft Texan accent and turned immediately. It wasn't him, she forced herself to calm down and stop being so jumpy. She needed to keep her cool for what was to lie ahead. She wasn't sure what was more nerve-racking, that she had to give evidence that might seal the fate of three men or that she would see him again after three years. Always three's she thought, it was three years since she had seen him, it was three men she was here to help and it had been three months that their relationship had lasted.
This time it was him that she heard but thankfully he was engaged in a heated conversation with a tall young man with slicked back hair and a leather waistcoat. She took the opportunity to slip unnoticed into the courtroom and take a seat where she hoped she wouldn't be noticed.
A sudden chill went down her spine and she looked up to see an older man enter the room. He wore yellow tinted sunglasses and she drew in her breath sharply. So, General Hunt Stockwell would be in attendance at the proceedings today. He gave her a curt nod and seated himself a few feet away from her.
The next people to enter the room were the accused and Katie forced herself not to run and throw her arms around each of them. She had missed them and now she might not see them again. Her eyes flicked towards the door and she saw Murdock enter. Hastily she averted her eyes hoping he wouldn't see her, he had enough to worry about right now and besides, he would know she was here soon enough. *** The trial did not go well, halfway through BA snapped. He upended a table and the team grabbed the guns off of the MP's who tried to stop him. She saw Murdock get to his feet and knew from the look on his face that he badly wanted to help his friends but she knew as he did why that would be such a bad idea. Things were unpleasant enough right now without Murdock betraying himself as an accomplice to the Team's escape. As far as she was aware, no one knew that he had been working with them for the past 15 years or even that he had been more than their chopper pilot in 'Nam.
She felt a prickle on the back of her neck; someone was watching her. She turned her head from where she'd been watching as the MP's dragged BA away and met Murdock's confused and astonished gaze.
She didn't know whether to laugh or cry when they put him on the stand.he gave his evidence as crazily as ever and she knew that it was all an act. Hopefully, the rest of the court was convinced but she knew from the little gestures he made, the way his eyes looked down at certain moments how he was really feeling. Her heart ached, she wanted to hold him badly, she knew how horrible he must be feeling and she could do nothing to comfort him. In fact, she was about to make things worse for him.
She was called as witness of the prosecution and she saw the looks of amazement on the features of Face and Hannibal as she walked to the table and took her seat. She laid her hand on the Bible and took the oath; she was barely able to stop herself from shaking. She answered the normal questions of who she was as calmly as she could though in truth she felt sick to her stomach.
'Miss Anderson.' Major Laskow, the prosecutor, began. 'Your father served in Vietnam did he not?'
'That's correct.'
'How long did he serve for?'
She could feel Murdock's eyes on her and suddenly she didn't want to be here. One wrong move and she could help condemn these men to their fates.
'From 1968 until 1970, two years.'
'And who did he serve with?'
Katie cleared her throat sure that she wouldn't be able to get his name out. 'Captain Murdock.'
Benny Conway, the defence attorney, rose to his feet. 'Objection your honour, I don't think we can credit a testimony from a witness who was only 8 or 9 years old at the time the alleged crimes took place.'
Laskow clearly did not agree. 'Your honour.Miss Anderson may have been in contact with the accused since they escaped from Fort Bragg, I am merely trying to assess if she has any knowledge that would assist us in our investigations.'
Judge Milowe looked thoughtful. 'Objection denied. You may carry on Major.'
'Thank you your honour.' Laskow turned back to Katie. 'Tell me Miss Anderson why did your father stop his tour of duty?'
'He was killed in action sir.'
'I'm sorry to hear it.' Laskow did almost look sorry to hear the news but Katie didn't buy his pity, she knew what he wanted, a hard conviction. 'You said your father served with Captain Murdock.did he serve with any of the accused you see here?'
'He was acquainted with them Major.'
'I see, how well would you say he was acquainted with them?'
Katie shifted in her seat aware of the fact that all eyes were on her. 'Quite well Major, the Captain was his best friend but.'
Laskow didn't let her finish. 'And did you ever meet them?'
'Yes, a couple of times. They visited the house once or twice with the Captain and they were at my father's funeral.'
'And what were your thoughts of them?'
'Well Major, I was only six years old but.' Here she smiled. 'They were nice and they were friends of Murdock's so.'
'So you felt you could trust them. Have you had any contact with them since you saw them at your father's funeral Miss Anderson?'
Katie hesitated and said nothing. 'Miss Anderson?' Laskow pressed. 'Miss Anderson, I would remind you that you are under oath here. Have you or have you not had any contact with the accused since your father's funeral?'
'Yes.'
'And when was this?'
She felt herself growing hot, her palms were sweaty, she darted a look over at Murdock. His eyes were strangely sympathetic; he nodded for her to continue. Calmer now she took a deep breath. 'I contacted them four years ago.'
'And why was that?'
'My mother was missing, I feared for her life. I needed help.'
'You needed help? Miss Anderson, I could be wrong here but.I'm fairly sure that it is still the policy of the police to investigate into any persons reported missing.'
Katie blushed. 'I.'
'Why exactly did you contact the A-Team Miss Anderson? Was it to help rescue your mother as you claim or was there some other motive? Perhaps you wanted to collect yourself a hefty reward.'
'No! That wasn't it at all.Mom was in danger, the police couldn't help me. I'd heard of their reputation.'
'Their reputation? What reputation was this? For destroying public property, for escaping from Military Stockades or their reputation of violence and theft? Things I've heard that Sergeant Baracus and Lieutenant Peck have quite a knack for.'
Katie couldn't breathe and finally Benny Conway came to her rescue. 'Objection your honour.the prosecution is badgering the witness and making uncalled for assumptions about the accused.'
'Objection sustained. Major I would suggest that you take a different approach in your questioning and kindly remember that a verdict has not yet been given on whether or not the accused are guilty of their crimes.'
Laskow nodded and stared hard at Katie who was fighting back tears. 'No further questions your honour.' He took his seat.
Conway rose to his feet now and approached her. 'Miss Anderson.did the A- Team help you rescue your mother?'
'Yes they did.'
'Was that the only time you had contact with them?'
Katie wondered suddenly where this was leading too. 'No.no I saw them again three years ago.'
'And why was that?' He looked down at her with kind eyes.
'I was in trouble with my then fiancée, he was.a drug smuggler and he wasn't averse to using physical violence if I angered him. They helped me get away.'
Conway nodded. 'So you would you say that the A-Team helped society rather than hindering it in putting away your fiancée?'
Laskow rose. 'Objection your honour. The defence is putting words in the witness's mouth.'
The judge nodded. 'Objection sustained. Rephrase your question counsellor.'
'Miss Anderson.in your opinion, would the actions of the A-Team be construed as inappropriate.'
An image flickered through Katie's mind of BA's face before Murdock had dragged her away from Jerome. She managed to find her voice enough to answer the question. 'Mr Conway, in my honest opinion they did what was necessary and we can be safe in the knowledge that one more drug dealer is safe behind bars where he can no longer harm society. So yes, they helped society.'
'No further questions your honour.'
Judge Milowe looked at Katie. 'Miss Anderson you may step down.'
Katie nearly collapsed as she stood up and walked back to her seat. A moment later someone sat down in the seat next to her and took her hand and squeezed it hard. Murdock didn't say anything just stayed there holding her hand until the court took a recess for lunch.
***
Katie met her mother outside the court.Karen was pale and drawn. After a brief hug they walked away deep in conversation.
Murdock watched them go with a thoughtful expression on his face. This was the last place he'd expected to see her, maybe he should have realised that she would be here but he hadn't and he could only feel grateful that she'd come to offer the guys support at a time when they needed it the most.
Something bumped into the back of his legs and he turned in surprise. A small girl looked up at him, her face dirty and her clothes dusty. 'Hey there.' He crouched down with a smile. 'What are you doing all on your own? Where's your mom?'
The girl's face broke into a grin that was utterly infectious. Murdock returned it in kind. 'What's your name sweetheart?'
'Megan.'
'And how old are you?'
'Three.' This Murdock found hard to believe, she looked far more intelligent than the average three year old. Her soulful brown eyes regarded him with interest. 'Who are you?'
'My name's HM.' He held out a hand for her to shake. She did so.
'How old are you?'
He laughed, feeling the tension of the last few hours starting to slip away from him like a bad dream. 'Older than three. So, why aren't you with your mom?'
'She had to go somewhere, she left me with this lady but the lady was boring so I ran away to find some fun.'
'And did you find it?'
Megan shook her head. 'No, some soldier men chased me; they wanted me to go back to Boring Lady.'
'And you didn't want to go?'
Megan nodded; Murdock scooped her up. 'Well you can't stay around here honey, there's big trucks and things you could get hurt. Best we find your mommy.'
She pouted and he tweaked her nose slightly making her giggle. Something about her intrigued him.almost reminded him of something or someone.
A woman in a Lieutenant's uniform came running up looking harried. 'Megan! There you are. Thank you so much for finding her, I was getting really worried.'
'Ahh it was no problem.' Murdock handed a shamefaced Megan back to the woman who was clearly Boring Lady. 'See ya Megan.'
'See ya HM.' She waved and turned back to the lieutenant. 'I was ok, HM took care of me.' She smiled sweetly and the lieutenant turned away.
There was a tug on Murdock's arm. It was Frankie. Frankie started to gabber at him at top speed and distracted, Murdock didn't see the lieutenant deposit Megan with her mother.
Katie took her daughter with a sigh of relief. 'Oh Megan Marie Anderson.are you ever going to behave?'
With a smile identical to HM Murdock's and eyes just as deep a shade of brown, Megan shook her head.
Three years later
*** Katie opened the door of the elevator at Level 2 and stepped inside the crowded waiting area of the Fort Owen Military Court. It was packed with press officers and witnesses, all wanting a place in history. The trial of three men who had been on the run for nearly 5 years; the trial of the A- Team.
She didn't want to be seen and looked around fervently for the one person she least wanted to see right now, she knew he'd be here sooner or later. He would hardly miss the trial that would decide the fate of his closest friends, possibly his only friends.
Like countless others she had been shocked to learn of the arrest of the A- Team but unlike many of those people she had not been pleased to hear the news, she had been devastated. They had been her father's friends; he would have had a fit if he had known what was happening now, that they were on trial for a crime they had not committed. But Tony Anderson was long since dead and the events that were unfolding were no concern of his.
She was there to give evidence, although she had been only a child at the time of the team's initial arrest, she still might hold clues that could be vital to the case, her mother was here too somewhere. Behind her she heard a soft Texan accent and turned immediately. It wasn't him, she forced herself to calm down and stop being so jumpy. She needed to keep her cool for what was to lie ahead. She wasn't sure what was more nerve-racking, that she had to give evidence that might seal the fate of three men or that she would see him again after three years. Always three's she thought, it was three years since she had seen him, it was three men she was here to help and it had been three months that their relationship had lasted.
This time it was him that she heard but thankfully he was engaged in a heated conversation with a tall young man with slicked back hair and a leather waistcoat. She took the opportunity to slip unnoticed into the courtroom and take a seat where she hoped she wouldn't be noticed.
A sudden chill went down her spine and she looked up to see an older man enter the room. He wore yellow tinted sunglasses and she drew in her breath sharply. So, General Hunt Stockwell would be in attendance at the proceedings today. He gave her a curt nod and seated himself a few feet away from her.
The next people to enter the room were the accused and Katie forced herself not to run and throw her arms around each of them. She had missed them and now she might not see them again. Her eyes flicked towards the door and she saw Murdock enter. Hastily she averted her eyes hoping he wouldn't see her, he had enough to worry about right now and besides, he would know she was here soon enough. *** The trial did not go well, halfway through BA snapped. He upended a table and the team grabbed the guns off of the MP's who tried to stop him. She saw Murdock get to his feet and knew from the look on his face that he badly wanted to help his friends but she knew as he did why that would be such a bad idea. Things were unpleasant enough right now without Murdock betraying himself as an accomplice to the Team's escape. As far as she was aware, no one knew that he had been working with them for the past 15 years or even that he had been more than their chopper pilot in 'Nam.
She felt a prickle on the back of her neck; someone was watching her. She turned her head from where she'd been watching as the MP's dragged BA away and met Murdock's confused and astonished gaze.
She didn't know whether to laugh or cry when they put him on the stand.he gave his evidence as crazily as ever and she knew that it was all an act. Hopefully, the rest of the court was convinced but she knew from the little gestures he made, the way his eyes looked down at certain moments how he was really feeling. Her heart ached, she wanted to hold him badly, she knew how horrible he must be feeling and she could do nothing to comfort him. In fact, she was about to make things worse for him.
She was called as witness of the prosecution and she saw the looks of amazement on the features of Face and Hannibal as she walked to the table and took her seat. She laid her hand on the Bible and took the oath; she was barely able to stop herself from shaking. She answered the normal questions of who she was as calmly as she could though in truth she felt sick to her stomach.
'Miss Anderson.' Major Laskow, the prosecutor, began. 'Your father served in Vietnam did he not?'
'That's correct.'
'How long did he serve for?'
She could feel Murdock's eyes on her and suddenly she didn't want to be here. One wrong move and she could help condemn these men to their fates.
'From 1968 until 1970, two years.'
'And who did he serve with?'
Katie cleared her throat sure that she wouldn't be able to get his name out. 'Captain Murdock.'
Benny Conway, the defence attorney, rose to his feet. 'Objection your honour, I don't think we can credit a testimony from a witness who was only 8 or 9 years old at the time the alleged crimes took place.'
Laskow clearly did not agree. 'Your honour.Miss Anderson may have been in contact with the accused since they escaped from Fort Bragg, I am merely trying to assess if she has any knowledge that would assist us in our investigations.'
Judge Milowe looked thoughtful. 'Objection denied. You may carry on Major.'
'Thank you your honour.' Laskow turned back to Katie. 'Tell me Miss Anderson why did your father stop his tour of duty?'
'He was killed in action sir.'
'I'm sorry to hear it.' Laskow did almost look sorry to hear the news but Katie didn't buy his pity, she knew what he wanted, a hard conviction. 'You said your father served with Captain Murdock.did he serve with any of the accused you see here?'
'He was acquainted with them Major.'
'I see, how well would you say he was acquainted with them?'
Katie shifted in her seat aware of the fact that all eyes were on her. 'Quite well Major, the Captain was his best friend but.'
Laskow didn't let her finish. 'And did you ever meet them?'
'Yes, a couple of times. They visited the house once or twice with the Captain and they were at my father's funeral.'
'And what were your thoughts of them?'
'Well Major, I was only six years old but.' Here she smiled. 'They were nice and they were friends of Murdock's so.'
'So you felt you could trust them. Have you had any contact with them since you saw them at your father's funeral Miss Anderson?'
Katie hesitated and said nothing. 'Miss Anderson?' Laskow pressed. 'Miss Anderson, I would remind you that you are under oath here. Have you or have you not had any contact with the accused since your father's funeral?'
'Yes.'
'And when was this?'
She felt herself growing hot, her palms were sweaty, she darted a look over at Murdock. His eyes were strangely sympathetic; he nodded for her to continue. Calmer now she took a deep breath. 'I contacted them four years ago.'
'And why was that?'
'My mother was missing, I feared for her life. I needed help.'
'You needed help? Miss Anderson, I could be wrong here but.I'm fairly sure that it is still the policy of the police to investigate into any persons reported missing.'
Katie blushed. 'I.'
'Why exactly did you contact the A-Team Miss Anderson? Was it to help rescue your mother as you claim or was there some other motive? Perhaps you wanted to collect yourself a hefty reward.'
'No! That wasn't it at all.Mom was in danger, the police couldn't help me. I'd heard of their reputation.'
'Their reputation? What reputation was this? For destroying public property, for escaping from Military Stockades or their reputation of violence and theft? Things I've heard that Sergeant Baracus and Lieutenant Peck have quite a knack for.'
Katie couldn't breathe and finally Benny Conway came to her rescue. 'Objection your honour.the prosecution is badgering the witness and making uncalled for assumptions about the accused.'
'Objection sustained. Major I would suggest that you take a different approach in your questioning and kindly remember that a verdict has not yet been given on whether or not the accused are guilty of their crimes.'
Laskow nodded and stared hard at Katie who was fighting back tears. 'No further questions your honour.' He took his seat.
Conway rose to his feet now and approached her. 'Miss Anderson.did the A- Team help you rescue your mother?'
'Yes they did.'
'Was that the only time you had contact with them?'
Katie wondered suddenly where this was leading too. 'No.no I saw them again three years ago.'
'And why was that?' He looked down at her with kind eyes.
'I was in trouble with my then fiancée, he was.a drug smuggler and he wasn't averse to using physical violence if I angered him. They helped me get away.'
Conway nodded. 'So you would you say that the A-Team helped society rather than hindering it in putting away your fiancée?'
Laskow rose. 'Objection your honour. The defence is putting words in the witness's mouth.'
The judge nodded. 'Objection sustained. Rephrase your question counsellor.'
'Miss Anderson.in your opinion, would the actions of the A-Team be construed as inappropriate.'
An image flickered through Katie's mind of BA's face before Murdock had dragged her away from Jerome. She managed to find her voice enough to answer the question. 'Mr Conway, in my honest opinion they did what was necessary and we can be safe in the knowledge that one more drug dealer is safe behind bars where he can no longer harm society. So yes, they helped society.'
'No further questions your honour.'
Judge Milowe looked at Katie. 'Miss Anderson you may step down.'
Katie nearly collapsed as she stood up and walked back to her seat. A moment later someone sat down in the seat next to her and took her hand and squeezed it hard. Murdock didn't say anything just stayed there holding her hand until the court took a recess for lunch.
***
Katie met her mother outside the court.Karen was pale and drawn. After a brief hug they walked away deep in conversation.
Murdock watched them go with a thoughtful expression on his face. This was the last place he'd expected to see her, maybe he should have realised that she would be here but he hadn't and he could only feel grateful that she'd come to offer the guys support at a time when they needed it the most.
Something bumped into the back of his legs and he turned in surprise. A small girl looked up at him, her face dirty and her clothes dusty. 'Hey there.' He crouched down with a smile. 'What are you doing all on your own? Where's your mom?'
The girl's face broke into a grin that was utterly infectious. Murdock returned it in kind. 'What's your name sweetheart?'
'Megan.'
'And how old are you?'
'Three.' This Murdock found hard to believe, she looked far more intelligent than the average three year old. Her soulful brown eyes regarded him with interest. 'Who are you?'
'My name's HM.' He held out a hand for her to shake. She did so.
'How old are you?'
He laughed, feeling the tension of the last few hours starting to slip away from him like a bad dream. 'Older than three. So, why aren't you with your mom?'
'She had to go somewhere, she left me with this lady but the lady was boring so I ran away to find some fun.'
'And did you find it?'
Megan shook her head. 'No, some soldier men chased me; they wanted me to go back to Boring Lady.'
'And you didn't want to go?'
Megan nodded; Murdock scooped her up. 'Well you can't stay around here honey, there's big trucks and things you could get hurt. Best we find your mommy.'
She pouted and he tweaked her nose slightly making her giggle. Something about her intrigued him.almost reminded him of something or someone.
A woman in a Lieutenant's uniform came running up looking harried. 'Megan! There you are. Thank you so much for finding her, I was getting really worried.'
'Ahh it was no problem.' Murdock handed a shamefaced Megan back to the woman who was clearly Boring Lady. 'See ya Megan.'
'See ya HM.' She waved and turned back to the lieutenant. 'I was ok, HM took care of me.' She smiled sweetly and the lieutenant turned away.
There was a tug on Murdock's arm. It was Frankie. Frankie started to gabber at him at top speed and distracted, Murdock didn't see the lieutenant deposit Megan with her mother.
Katie took her daughter with a sigh of relief. 'Oh Megan Marie Anderson.are you ever going to behave?'
With a smile identical to HM Murdock's and eyes just as deep a shade of brown, Megan shook her head.
