CHAPTER TEN
Michael was nervous, if he was caught then God only knew what Stockwell would do to him. He edged round the side of the building, blending into the shadows, moving the way he'd been taught. He stopped, sensing movement ahead and then Joseph stepped around the corner.
Michael clapped him on the shoulder. 'Good to see ya man.'
Joseph nodded. 'Yeah, you too. Now we gotta be quick before I go. Once Stockwell finds I'm missing all hell will break loose and you don't want to be in the middle when it does. Now, I got that letter to your dad, from the way you used to talk about him, I'm guessing that he'll come after you.'
'Yeah he will, you gotta keep him away Joseph, just 'til I'm done doing what I have to do. Ok?' Michael handed him a folded piece of paper.
Joseph nodded and put it in his pocket. 'Sure man, anything you say. I'll make sure he doesn't get anywhere near you. Now, you take care of yourself and good luck. I know the first time's tough, can't make it any easier for you just get through it best you can and it'll be better next time. That's all I can say. I'd better go.' He winked at Michael and then was gone, another shadow in the night.
*** They drove right through the morning, taking it in turns, stopping only to eat and refuel. Towards their last destination, Murdock was riding in Brandon's van with the kids and Danny and Maria were in BA's.
Murdock looked at both his kids who were sound asleep and felt a surge of pride. They'd grown up so fast but he was immensely proud of them. He wished that he'd insisted that they both stay behind though; he couldn't stand it if he had to lose another of his children. One was enough, his thoughts wandered to Michael and he wondered what he was doing now.
Day had just broken when the mobile phone in the van rang with a piercing shriek. Both Emily and Nick were jolted from sleep and Johnny reached over and picked it up.
'Hello?' He instantly tensed. 'Who is this?'
Murdock's head shot up and he motioned for Johnny to give him the phone. Johnny did so. 'Hello?'
'Captain Murdock?' The voice on the other end asked.
'Maybe, who are you, how'd you get this number and what makes you think that I'm him?'
'My name is Joseph Marshall; you're looking for your son, Michael. I got the number from him; I used to work with him. He asked me to find you and I know who you are because I've been following you. Mike gave me the directions you'd be coming from. I think we should meet don't you?'
Murdock kept his voice impartial, he was still wary. 'How do I know that you're who you say you are and how do I know that I can trust you?'
'Sir, you don't but the only thing I can tell you is that your son needs you right now, he's about to make a big mistake, I think you know what I'm talking about. You can stop him, you're about the only one that can. We need to talk.'
'What number are you on Joseph?' Murdock asked, as the others watched him carefully.
'I can't stay here, people are looking for me. Meet me at the Roadside Diner, take the next exit and it's on your right.'
'You'd better be telling the truth boy, because I've got a big mean guy with me who doesn't like liars.' Murdock kept his voice cool.
'I assure you, I'm not a liar, I'll be waiting for you. If you want to find Mike, I suggest you start trusting.' There was a click as the man on the other end hung up. Murdock stared at the phone and then realised that Nick was talking to him.
'Who was it Dad?'
Murdock licked his lips and then grabbed for the microphone beside the radio. 'BA, Hannibal? You read?'
Emily and Nick exchanged worried looks.
'What is it Murdock?' Hannibal asked.
'I just got a call from a guy claiming to be a friend of Mike's, says he knows where he is. We're to meet him at the Roadside Diner, tell BA to take the next exit.' Murdock looked over at Brandon. 'You too Brandon.'
'Murdock, can we trust this guy?'
'I don't know Colonel, a risk we're just going to have to take. I think he's telling the truth.'
A sigh came over the radio. 'Ok Murdock, we'll see you there but don't go in without us.'
'Right, on the flipside.' Murdock replaced the radio and met enquiring looks from everyone in the van.
'Murdock, no offence but this guy could be lying.' Johnny said, pulling out a cigar.
Murdock took it from him. 'I know and your Mom hates you smoking those things.'
'Yeah I know but I need something to help me think.'
'Johnny you let us do the thinking ok.'
'Do you think he's telling the truth Dad?' Emily asked.
'I don't know honey, I hope so, I really do. But you'd better prepare yourself that he might not be.'
She nodded and he hugged her. 'We'll find him sweetheart, I know it.'
'Sure.' Nick muttered. 'And Billy's real.'
Fortunately for him, his father didn't catch that remark.
*** Joseph sat in the booth, ready to spring up at any moment. He was half afraid that Murdock wouldn't show and half afraid that Stockwell would.
He was taking a hell of a risk asking them to meet him here. He could be putting all of them in danger but Mike was in worse danger right now. Joseph knew he couldn't let him become embroiled in Stockwell's organisation. By doing this assignment, Mike would be committing himself to Stockwell and Joseph knew better than anyone that that was something that he didn't want to do.
He also knew that Mike missed his family; he wished that he had a family like that. People who cared so much about him that they'd go charging half way across the world just to find him. Michael would never know how lucky he was and Joseph was determined that he didn't have to find out the hard way.
Besides, he was intrigued, he had always been something of a fan of the A- Team. He'd listened eagerly to anything that some of the older agents let out occasionally. There were those who still remembered the days when they'd been working for Stockwell and they spoke in awe of Hannibal Smith, Templeton Peck and BA Baracus.
Of Murdock they spoke in lower tones, afraid that Stockwell might overhear them. The very mention of Murdock's name made the usually cool and collected General fly into a rage. Michael had been using a fake surname for the past year which was why Joseph had never put the pieces together before.
His eyes were drawn from the menu he was pretending to be studying to the door. Three people had just entered. A man, a young guy and a girl. Joseph knew instantly that these were Michael's family. The man was obviously his father; although Joseph didn't know what he looked like the resemblance to Michael was startlingly clear. The boy too looked like his father and it was easy to see that he was Michael's younger brother. The girl didn't bear such a close likeness but it was still there, she would be Emily then. The younger sister.
Behind them the door opened again and a white-haired man entered and Joseph felt his heart beat faster. This was Hannibal John Smith; with him was a boy who could only be his son. So the A-Team had brought their kids along, this was going to make things much more complicated.
One by one they entered, BA Baracus with his son and Templeton Peck with the twins. They seated at different booths and then Joseph got up, it was time to move.
He walked over to Murdock's table and dropped a napkin on the table. Murdock said nothing just opened it and read what was written there. Joseph heard him tell the kids to stay where they were before he got up.
Joseph walked to the bathroom as calmly as he could, trying to see if any of Stockwell's men had followed him here and were watching him.
He opened the door to the men's room and started washing his hands. The door opened behind him and in the mirror he saw Murdock enter.
'So.' Murdock said, checking the stalls to make sure they were alone. 'You know where my son is?'
Joseph turned around, wiped his hands on the towel and looked him straight in the eye. 'Yes, I know. He doesn't want you here, he asked me to keep you away until his business is over. But you and I both know that to do that would be a mistake.'
Murdock raised an eyebrow and eyed him carefully. 'What's in it for you Joseph? Why are you doing this?'
'Because Mike was a friend and because I don't want to see another rookie get snared by Stockwell. If he does this then he can never be free of him, he deserves better than that. He deserves a life.'
'Touching.' Joseph could tell that Murdock still wasn't buying it.
'You've been looking for him for a long time haven't you? A year is it? And every time you've missed him, been within an inch of getting him back and he evades you?'
'Your point?' The older man's tone was icy cold, behind him the door opened and Baracus stepped in along with Peck and Smith.
'You really don't trust me at all do you?'
Murdock shrugged. 'Put it down to experience; never trust anyone who is in anyway involved with Stockwell.'
Joseph smiled. 'Wise choice.'
BA slammed him up against the wall. 'Where is he sucker?'
Joseph choked and struggled. 'I.I'll take you to him.'
Hannibal moved forward and took off his gloves. 'And how do we know that you'll do that kid?'
'Yeah, we've been hurt before Joseph.' Face put in, running a hand through his hair.
Murdock moved forward. 'So.question is can you trust us? If you're who you say you are then you must have heard the stories by now. You know what we're capable of.'
BA's grip tightened on Joseph's throat. 'Ok, ok! Lemme go!'
'Let him go BA.' Hannibal ordered and BA let Joseph drop to the floor.
Joseph coughed and put his hands to his throat. He reached into his pocket and pulled something out of it. He handed it to Murdock. 'That's proof that I'm telling you the truth.'
Lying in Murdock's palm gleaming in the reflected light from the mirrors was a pair of pilot's wings. There were two neat little holes drilled into the tip of each wing through which a fine chain was threaded.
'My wings.' Murdock whispered and his voice choked. He'd given them to Michael on the day that his son had done his first solo flight. Michael had carefully and lovingly drilled the two holes and found the chain so that he could hang them around his neck.
'He knew you wouldn't trust me.' Joseph said. 'It was folded up in the paper he gave me with your number on it.'
Murdock nodded and looked up at the young man. 'Where is he?'
'I'll take you. We don't have much time.'
Michael was nervous, if he was caught then God only knew what Stockwell would do to him. He edged round the side of the building, blending into the shadows, moving the way he'd been taught. He stopped, sensing movement ahead and then Joseph stepped around the corner.
Michael clapped him on the shoulder. 'Good to see ya man.'
Joseph nodded. 'Yeah, you too. Now we gotta be quick before I go. Once Stockwell finds I'm missing all hell will break loose and you don't want to be in the middle when it does. Now, I got that letter to your dad, from the way you used to talk about him, I'm guessing that he'll come after you.'
'Yeah he will, you gotta keep him away Joseph, just 'til I'm done doing what I have to do. Ok?' Michael handed him a folded piece of paper.
Joseph nodded and put it in his pocket. 'Sure man, anything you say. I'll make sure he doesn't get anywhere near you. Now, you take care of yourself and good luck. I know the first time's tough, can't make it any easier for you just get through it best you can and it'll be better next time. That's all I can say. I'd better go.' He winked at Michael and then was gone, another shadow in the night.
*** They drove right through the morning, taking it in turns, stopping only to eat and refuel. Towards their last destination, Murdock was riding in Brandon's van with the kids and Danny and Maria were in BA's.
Murdock looked at both his kids who were sound asleep and felt a surge of pride. They'd grown up so fast but he was immensely proud of them. He wished that he'd insisted that they both stay behind though; he couldn't stand it if he had to lose another of his children. One was enough, his thoughts wandered to Michael and he wondered what he was doing now.
Day had just broken when the mobile phone in the van rang with a piercing shriek. Both Emily and Nick were jolted from sleep and Johnny reached over and picked it up.
'Hello?' He instantly tensed. 'Who is this?'
Murdock's head shot up and he motioned for Johnny to give him the phone. Johnny did so. 'Hello?'
'Captain Murdock?' The voice on the other end asked.
'Maybe, who are you, how'd you get this number and what makes you think that I'm him?'
'My name is Joseph Marshall; you're looking for your son, Michael. I got the number from him; I used to work with him. He asked me to find you and I know who you are because I've been following you. Mike gave me the directions you'd be coming from. I think we should meet don't you?'
Murdock kept his voice impartial, he was still wary. 'How do I know that you're who you say you are and how do I know that I can trust you?'
'Sir, you don't but the only thing I can tell you is that your son needs you right now, he's about to make a big mistake, I think you know what I'm talking about. You can stop him, you're about the only one that can. We need to talk.'
'What number are you on Joseph?' Murdock asked, as the others watched him carefully.
'I can't stay here, people are looking for me. Meet me at the Roadside Diner, take the next exit and it's on your right.'
'You'd better be telling the truth boy, because I've got a big mean guy with me who doesn't like liars.' Murdock kept his voice cool.
'I assure you, I'm not a liar, I'll be waiting for you. If you want to find Mike, I suggest you start trusting.' There was a click as the man on the other end hung up. Murdock stared at the phone and then realised that Nick was talking to him.
'Who was it Dad?'
Murdock licked his lips and then grabbed for the microphone beside the radio. 'BA, Hannibal? You read?'
Emily and Nick exchanged worried looks.
'What is it Murdock?' Hannibal asked.
'I just got a call from a guy claiming to be a friend of Mike's, says he knows where he is. We're to meet him at the Roadside Diner, tell BA to take the next exit.' Murdock looked over at Brandon. 'You too Brandon.'
'Murdock, can we trust this guy?'
'I don't know Colonel, a risk we're just going to have to take. I think he's telling the truth.'
A sigh came over the radio. 'Ok Murdock, we'll see you there but don't go in without us.'
'Right, on the flipside.' Murdock replaced the radio and met enquiring looks from everyone in the van.
'Murdock, no offence but this guy could be lying.' Johnny said, pulling out a cigar.
Murdock took it from him. 'I know and your Mom hates you smoking those things.'
'Yeah I know but I need something to help me think.'
'Johnny you let us do the thinking ok.'
'Do you think he's telling the truth Dad?' Emily asked.
'I don't know honey, I hope so, I really do. But you'd better prepare yourself that he might not be.'
She nodded and he hugged her. 'We'll find him sweetheart, I know it.'
'Sure.' Nick muttered. 'And Billy's real.'
Fortunately for him, his father didn't catch that remark.
*** Joseph sat in the booth, ready to spring up at any moment. He was half afraid that Murdock wouldn't show and half afraid that Stockwell would.
He was taking a hell of a risk asking them to meet him here. He could be putting all of them in danger but Mike was in worse danger right now. Joseph knew he couldn't let him become embroiled in Stockwell's organisation. By doing this assignment, Mike would be committing himself to Stockwell and Joseph knew better than anyone that that was something that he didn't want to do.
He also knew that Mike missed his family; he wished that he had a family like that. People who cared so much about him that they'd go charging half way across the world just to find him. Michael would never know how lucky he was and Joseph was determined that he didn't have to find out the hard way.
Besides, he was intrigued, he had always been something of a fan of the A- Team. He'd listened eagerly to anything that some of the older agents let out occasionally. There were those who still remembered the days when they'd been working for Stockwell and they spoke in awe of Hannibal Smith, Templeton Peck and BA Baracus.
Of Murdock they spoke in lower tones, afraid that Stockwell might overhear them. The very mention of Murdock's name made the usually cool and collected General fly into a rage. Michael had been using a fake surname for the past year which was why Joseph had never put the pieces together before.
His eyes were drawn from the menu he was pretending to be studying to the door. Three people had just entered. A man, a young guy and a girl. Joseph knew instantly that these were Michael's family. The man was obviously his father; although Joseph didn't know what he looked like the resemblance to Michael was startlingly clear. The boy too looked like his father and it was easy to see that he was Michael's younger brother. The girl didn't bear such a close likeness but it was still there, she would be Emily then. The younger sister.
Behind them the door opened again and a white-haired man entered and Joseph felt his heart beat faster. This was Hannibal John Smith; with him was a boy who could only be his son. So the A-Team had brought their kids along, this was going to make things much more complicated.
One by one they entered, BA Baracus with his son and Templeton Peck with the twins. They seated at different booths and then Joseph got up, it was time to move.
He walked over to Murdock's table and dropped a napkin on the table. Murdock said nothing just opened it and read what was written there. Joseph heard him tell the kids to stay where they were before he got up.
Joseph walked to the bathroom as calmly as he could, trying to see if any of Stockwell's men had followed him here and were watching him.
He opened the door to the men's room and started washing his hands. The door opened behind him and in the mirror he saw Murdock enter.
'So.' Murdock said, checking the stalls to make sure they were alone. 'You know where my son is?'
Joseph turned around, wiped his hands on the towel and looked him straight in the eye. 'Yes, I know. He doesn't want you here, he asked me to keep you away until his business is over. But you and I both know that to do that would be a mistake.'
Murdock raised an eyebrow and eyed him carefully. 'What's in it for you Joseph? Why are you doing this?'
'Because Mike was a friend and because I don't want to see another rookie get snared by Stockwell. If he does this then he can never be free of him, he deserves better than that. He deserves a life.'
'Touching.' Joseph could tell that Murdock still wasn't buying it.
'You've been looking for him for a long time haven't you? A year is it? And every time you've missed him, been within an inch of getting him back and he evades you?'
'Your point?' The older man's tone was icy cold, behind him the door opened and Baracus stepped in along with Peck and Smith.
'You really don't trust me at all do you?'
Murdock shrugged. 'Put it down to experience; never trust anyone who is in anyway involved with Stockwell.'
Joseph smiled. 'Wise choice.'
BA slammed him up against the wall. 'Where is he sucker?'
Joseph choked and struggled. 'I.I'll take you to him.'
Hannibal moved forward and took off his gloves. 'And how do we know that you'll do that kid?'
'Yeah, we've been hurt before Joseph.' Face put in, running a hand through his hair.
Murdock moved forward. 'So.question is can you trust us? If you're who you say you are then you must have heard the stories by now. You know what we're capable of.'
BA's grip tightened on Joseph's throat. 'Ok, ok! Lemme go!'
'Let him go BA.' Hannibal ordered and BA let Joseph drop to the floor.
Joseph coughed and put his hands to his throat. He reached into his pocket and pulled something out of it. He handed it to Murdock. 'That's proof that I'm telling you the truth.'
Lying in Murdock's palm gleaming in the reflected light from the mirrors was a pair of pilot's wings. There were two neat little holes drilled into the tip of each wing through which a fine chain was threaded.
'My wings.' Murdock whispered and his voice choked. He'd given them to Michael on the day that his son had done his first solo flight. Michael had carefully and lovingly drilled the two holes and found the chain so that he could hang them around his neck.
'He knew you wouldn't trust me.' Joseph said. 'It was folded up in the paper he gave me with your number on it.'
Murdock nodded and looked up at the young man. 'Where is he?'
'I'll take you. We don't have much time.'
