CHAPTER ELEVEN
'When is this assassination supposed to take place?' Hannibal asked.
Joseph shrugged. 'Who knows now. Stockwell has probably changed the plans completely but it was supposed to take place at noon. We have a meeting with him and that was when we were going to do it.'
Murdock looked thoughtful; he took a piece of gum from his pocket and put it in his mouth, chewing on it slowly. 'Where was this meeting going to take place?'
'His apartment, we've been monitoring him for the past week. Mikey and I know that apartment inside out, we've worked out all possible escape routes, everything.'
Hannibal turned to him. 'Could you draw a plan of the apartment for us?'
'I'll do better than that.' He took a piece of paper from his pocket. 'Here you go, a complete plan of that floor.'
Hannibal took it and unfolded it, studying it carefully. 'The only way to stop this happening is to make sure that the target isn't in the vicinity when the time comes.'
Joseph shook his head. 'No can do, Stockwell has men watching that apartment 24/7. There's no way we could get him out of there without raising suspicion.'
'But if we made them think that Miguel was still there when he wasn't.' Murdock said. 'Hannibal?'
'I agree.' Hannibal answered, the jazz in his eyes. 'What does this Miguel look like?'
'6ft, blond hair.' Murdock and Joseph answered automatically. Murdock stopped and let Joseph carry on.
'Close cropped, he's got a tattoo on the left forearm but clothes would cover that and he wears glasses.' He looked at Murdock. 'I guess, you'd fit the bill. You're about the same age and build as he is.'
Hannibal nodded. 'I'd agree with that. Face? Think you'd be up to some scamming?'
Face grinned. 'Why of course.'
'Aww man, Hannibal's on the Jazz.' BA grumbled. 'I don't see how it's gonna work, Mike'll recognise it's the fool and so will Stockwell.'
'Not if we do it right he won't.' Hannibal said. 'You got a picture of this guy Joseph?'
'Yeah sure, up here.' He tapped his forehead.
'No problem Hannibal, I'll see if I can get Danny to a computer.' Face put in. 'He'll have us a picture of this guy in no time.'
'Good.' Hannibal said. 'BA, you and Brandon need to get to work; we'll need a tap on those bugs that are in the apartment.'
Joseph frowned. 'I never said that we bugged the apartment.'
'You didn't need to, Stockwell would be pretty sloppy if he didn't and sloppy isn't Stockwell's style. Johnny and I will tail this Miguel as far as we can, make sure that Stockwell doesn't move in early.'
'What about me?' Murdock asked nervously.
'You and Joseph will be working on the best disguise for you. You knew what Miguel looked like 17 years ago but you need to know what he looks like now, the way he moves. His mannerisms.'
'Right and what about Maria, Nick and Emily?' Murdock was fully aware they wouldn't be happy to just sit tight and stay safe.
'Maria can go with Face and help him scam. Nicky and Emily can help you and Joseph.'
'That won't please Nick.' Murdock muttered.
'I'll bet.' Joseph chuckled. 'Uh, Mike told me all about Nick.'
Murdock only nodded, still wondering how the hell they were gonna pull this off.
*** Mike sat in front of the monitors, he missed Joseph. The little jokes he'd make, even just the company. He needed something to take his mind off what would be happening in a few hours time.
He cleaned out his gun as he watched the monitor, checking the clip and reassembling the gun. He hoped he'd only need the one bullet but you never knew what might happen. Lesson number one from Hannibal - 'Always have a contingency plan.' What would he do if Miguel pulled a gun on him instead? What would happen if someone heard him, what would he do if he couldn't pull the trigger?
He didn't know the answers to any of those, he supposed he'd just have to go with his instincts if anything did go wrong and hope that Stockwell would go easy on him afterwards.
*** 'No, stand straighter.' Joseph said. 'This guy was brought up in the military, he holds himself like a general even though he never was one.'
Murdock yanked the glasses off his nose and threw them onto the table. 'I know all that! I used to do your job, remember?' He snapped angrily. They'd been working at this for over an hour and he still didn't have it right enough for Joseph.
'Look, I know you're tired of this but you've got to go in there and fool not only Stockwell and his goons but your son. He saw you everyday of his life for 17 years and he will spot you a mile away if you don't have this down 100%.'
Murdock sat down dejectedly and Emily sat beside him. 'You can do this Dad.'
'Yeah.' Nick said. 'You wanna have the pleasure of fooling Stockwell don't ya? Just think of how mad he'll be and besides this is a great time to annoy BA.'
Murdock smiled and nodded. 'You're both right.' He looked at Joseph. 'And he saw me everyday for 16 years; Stockwell's taken him away from me for a whole year.'
Joseph kept his face expressionless. 'Let's go again. You need to get rid of the Texas drawl too. Miguel was brought up in.'
'England for 20 years of his life and he goes back there every winter.' Murdock said in a perfect British accent.
Joseph finally allowed himself to smile. 'Wonderful, finally something that's right.'
Murdock glowered at him. 'I'll have you know that I will be the best Miguel that you have ever seen, I will be better even than the real Miguel.' As he spoke he pulled himself up straighter, the Texan accent vanishing, and his hands stopping their constant gesturing; he had the appearance of a man who lives and breathes the army. 'And there will be no more of this 'it's not right'. 'It's not right' is not in my vocabulary, understood?'
Nicky and Emily stared at their father speechless; they'd never seen him do something like this before. It was almost frightening; they could have been looking at a totally different man.
Murdock raised an enquiring eyebrow. 'How's that for you rookie?'
Joseph grinned and nodded. 'Perfect.'
Murdock grinned back and put the glasses back on. 'Now, the clothes?'
*** 'Got him.' Danny announced in a triumphant whisper.
Maria's head whipped round. 'Finally, took you long enough. Hurry up before someone comes along.'
Danny didn't bother with a retort just printed out the picture. Joseph had been right, Murdock could carry this off, Danny just hoped that he could carry it off well enough.
He yanked the picture from the printer and closed down the military files.
'Let's go.' He said, getting up and grabbing his coat.
***
'Ok, you're ready.' Joseph said looking from the picture Danny had given him to Murdock.
'How long we got?' Murdock asked, adjusting his tie in front of the mirror.
'Another hour, it's time to get into position.'
'How's that wire?' Brandon asked. 'Turn round.'
Murdock turned round and Brandon inspected him. 'Ok good, not visible. Dad how's the sound.'
BA listened to the small mini disc player that was wired to pick up everything Murdock said. 'Fine.'
'Then it's time to mount up.' Hannibal said, grabbing a gun.
Nicky and Emily got to their feet. Murdock looked at them. 'No way. Sit both of you; I'm not having you within a yard of that place. You stay right here. Nick I want you to keep an eye on your sister.'
'No need.' Emily spoke up. 'I'm going with you so he won't need to stay here.'
'You're staying here, it's too dangerous. I want you safe.'
'I'm going with you!' She protested. Murdock stopped and looked at her; a small smile crossed his face.
'You really look like your Mom right now, you know that.'
His daughter smiled a little and then Murdock grabbed her. He opened a closet door and shoved her inside. Slamming the door shut he locked it. A loud banging started from inside.
'Dad! Let me out!'
'Sorry honey, little trick I learned from Hannibal. I know you won't stay put if I tell you to. We'll come back for you don't worry. Love you sweetheart.'
Nicky stared at him wide eyed. 'You.you put her in the closet.'
Murdock nodded. 'Yeah, now come on. Stick close to Hannibal and Johnny and don't get in the way.'
'I can come with you guys?'
Murdock nodded. 'Sure, at least you don't apologise for hitting people.'
Nick grinned and from inside the closet a loud, 'I heard that!' was heard.
Johnny came into the room. 'Hey, Dad says we're all set to go.' He frowned as he heard the thumping in the closet.
'Uhhh Murdock? Did, you uh, did you lock Emily in the closet?'
Murdock nodded. 'Yeah.'
'Oh.' Johnny looked at him seriously, trying to figure it out. 'Can I ask why?'
Murdock grinned and chuckled. 'Remind me to tell you how your Mom and Dad met sometime.'
He patted Johnny on the back and walked out with Nick to the van. Nick made to get in Brandon's van but Murdock stopped him.
'You're riding with me. You and I need to talk.'
With a puzzled look Nick followed him. 'Sure thing.' He wondered nervously what his father had to say to him. He got in the car that Face had scammed for Murdock and put his seatbelt on.
Murdock grabbed the radio. 'Ready when you are Hannibal but I'd like to stop at the next phone booth, something I've got to do.'
'Ok Murdock but be quick.'
'Sure thing Colonel.' He put the radio back and started to drive, following behind Brandon's van.
'So.uh, what is it that you need to talk to me about?' Nick asked, wanting to get it over and done with.
Murdock licked his lips. 'Nicky, we've been getting along this past year pretty well.' He paused. 'Nick, you're my son and I love you. No more than I love your brother or your sister. I love you all equally you gotta know that.'
Nick swallowed. 'Why.why are you telling me this?'
'Because I know the real reason you got in that plane a few days ago, the reason why you learnt to fly.'
'Oh yeah, what's that?' Nick felt the old walls spring up, he tried to calm himself down. Now was not the time to start the long-standing fight with his father, more important things mattered. 'To prove Stockwell wrong, to prove to yourself that what you knew was true was a lie.'
'You're not making sense.' Nick said, deflecting the question with pretended disinterest. He played with the button on his cuff with more concentration than necessary.
'Nick.son, its ok if you don't like flying. Doesn't mean I'll think any less of you but don't think that I don't care about you because I do. I've lost one son already; I'm not going to lose another. I know I could have done things better, made more of an effort, I'm sorry I didn't. I know it's probably too late now but I just need you to know that if it was you out here instead of Michael, if you were in the situation he is now. Well.I'd do the exact same for you; I'd be out here just the same, doing what I'm doing now.'
Nicky swallowed hard, trying to keep control of his emotion. 'Thanks Dad.' His voice shook slightly.
Murdock nodded and slowed the car down. The two vans ahead had stopped. 'Guess it's time for me to call home and talk to your mother.'
'Mom? What you gonna say? She's gonna be mad.'
'I know.' A small smile touched Murdock's lips. 'I know.' He got out the car and walked over to the phone. He dropped some money in the slot and dialled home. The phone rang several times before the machine picked up.
'Kelly.' Murdock said. 'I.I know you're probably mad at me for just taking off with the kids and I'm sorry honey. In a way I'm glad you're not there right now, I don't know if I could say what I need to say if you were. I've found him Kel, I've found Michael. I swore to you on the day that he left us that I'd find him and bring him home to you. And I will, I promise you that whatever happens now, he will come home safe to you.
Kelly, I don't know what's going to happen, it's dangerous and I'm trying to keep the kids out of it as much as possible. They'll be ok; I won't let anything happen to them. I just.I had to call you, tell you that I'm ok, we're ok and the most important thing; I love you. I always have and I always will, no matter what.' He swallowed hard and forced himself to carry on. 'Sweetheart, if I don't come back you need to know that, I love you. Goodbye.' He put the phone down and wiped away the tears in his eyes, tears he forced himself not to shed.
Several miles away in their home Kelly stood by the phone, a hand to her mouth. Tears pouring down her cheeks, as he said goodbye she grabbed for the phone. 'Murdock!' But he'd already gone and there was only an empty line and an aching loss in her heart.
'When is this assassination supposed to take place?' Hannibal asked.
Joseph shrugged. 'Who knows now. Stockwell has probably changed the plans completely but it was supposed to take place at noon. We have a meeting with him and that was when we were going to do it.'
Murdock looked thoughtful; he took a piece of gum from his pocket and put it in his mouth, chewing on it slowly. 'Where was this meeting going to take place?'
'His apartment, we've been monitoring him for the past week. Mikey and I know that apartment inside out, we've worked out all possible escape routes, everything.'
Hannibal turned to him. 'Could you draw a plan of the apartment for us?'
'I'll do better than that.' He took a piece of paper from his pocket. 'Here you go, a complete plan of that floor.'
Hannibal took it and unfolded it, studying it carefully. 'The only way to stop this happening is to make sure that the target isn't in the vicinity when the time comes.'
Joseph shook his head. 'No can do, Stockwell has men watching that apartment 24/7. There's no way we could get him out of there without raising suspicion.'
'But if we made them think that Miguel was still there when he wasn't.' Murdock said. 'Hannibal?'
'I agree.' Hannibal answered, the jazz in his eyes. 'What does this Miguel look like?'
'6ft, blond hair.' Murdock and Joseph answered automatically. Murdock stopped and let Joseph carry on.
'Close cropped, he's got a tattoo on the left forearm but clothes would cover that and he wears glasses.' He looked at Murdock. 'I guess, you'd fit the bill. You're about the same age and build as he is.'
Hannibal nodded. 'I'd agree with that. Face? Think you'd be up to some scamming?'
Face grinned. 'Why of course.'
'Aww man, Hannibal's on the Jazz.' BA grumbled. 'I don't see how it's gonna work, Mike'll recognise it's the fool and so will Stockwell.'
'Not if we do it right he won't.' Hannibal said. 'You got a picture of this guy Joseph?'
'Yeah sure, up here.' He tapped his forehead.
'No problem Hannibal, I'll see if I can get Danny to a computer.' Face put in. 'He'll have us a picture of this guy in no time.'
'Good.' Hannibal said. 'BA, you and Brandon need to get to work; we'll need a tap on those bugs that are in the apartment.'
Joseph frowned. 'I never said that we bugged the apartment.'
'You didn't need to, Stockwell would be pretty sloppy if he didn't and sloppy isn't Stockwell's style. Johnny and I will tail this Miguel as far as we can, make sure that Stockwell doesn't move in early.'
'What about me?' Murdock asked nervously.
'You and Joseph will be working on the best disguise for you. You knew what Miguel looked like 17 years ago but you need to know what he looks like now, the way he moves. His mannerisms.'
'Right and what about Maria, Nick and Emily?' Murdock was fully aware they wouldn't be happy to just sit tight and stay safe.
'Maria can go with Face and help him scam. Nicky and Emily can help you and Joseph.'
'That won't please Nick.' Murdock muttered.
'I'll bet.' Joseph chuckled. 'Uh, Mike told me all about Nick.'
Murdock only nodded, still wondering how the hell they were gonna pull this off.
*** Mike sat in front of the monitors, he missed Joseph. The little jokes he'd make, even just the company. He needed something to take his mind off what would be happening in a few hours time.
He cleaned out his gun as he watched the monitor, checking the clip and reassembling the gun. He hoped he'd only need the one bullet but you never knew what might happen. Lesson number one from Hannibal - 'Always have a contingency plan.' What would he do if Miguel pulled a gun on him instead? What would happen if someone heard him, what would he do if he couldn't pull the trigger?
He didn't know the answers to any of those, he supposed he'd just have to go with his instincts if anything did go wrong and hope that Stockwell would go easy on him afterwards.
*** 'No, stand straighter.' Joseph said. 'This guy was brought up in the military, he holds himself like a general even though he never was one.'
Murdock yanked the glasses off his nose and threw them onto the table. 'I know all that! I used to do your job, remember?' He snapped angrily. They'd been working at this for over an hour and he still didn't have it right enough for Joseph.
'Look, I know you're tired of this but you've got to go in there and fool not only Stockwell and his goons but your son. He saw you everyday of his life for 17 years and he will spot you a mile away if you don't have this down 100%.'
Murdock sat down dejectedly and Emily sat beside him. 'You can do this Dad.'
'Yeah.' Nick said. 'You wanna have the pleasure of fooling Stockwell don't ya? Just think of how mad he'll be and besides this is a great time to annoy BA.'
Murdock smiled and nodded. 'You're both right.' He looked at Joseph. 'And he saw me everyday for 16 years; Stockwell's taken him away from me for a whole year.'
Joseph kept his face expressionless. 'Let's go again. You need to get rid of the Texas drawl too. Miguel was brought up in.'
'England for 20 years of his life and he goes back there every winter.' Murdock said in a perfect British accent.
Joseph finally allowed himself to smile. 'Wonderful, finally something that's right.'
Murdock glowered at him. 'I'll have you know that I will be the best Miguel that you have ever seen, I will be better even than the real Miguel.' As he spoke he pulled himself up straighter, the Texan accent vanishing, and his hands stopping their constant gesturing; he had the appearance of a man who lives and breathes the army. 'And there will be no more of this 'it's not right'. 'It's not right' is not in my vocabulary, understood?'
Nicky and Emily stared at their father speechless; they'd never seen him do something like this before. It was almost frightening; they could have been looking at a totally different man.
Murdock raised an enquiring eyebrow. 'How's that for you rookie?'
Joseph grinned and nodded. 'Perfect.'
Murdock grinned back and put the glasses back on. 'Now, the clothes?'
*** 'Got him.' Danny announced in a triumphant whisper.
Maria's head whipped round. 'Finally, took you long enough. Hurry up before someone comes along.'
Danny didn't bother with a retort just printed out the picture. Joseph had been right, Murdock could carry this off, Danny just hoped that he could carry it off well enough.
He yanked the picture from the printer and closed down the military files.
'Let's go.' He said, getting up and grabbing his coat.
***
'Ok, you're ready.' Joseph said looking from the picture Danny had given him to Murdock.
'How long we got?' Murdock asked, adjusting his tie in front of the mirror.
'Another hour, it's time to get into position.'
'How's that wire?' Brandon asked. 'Turn round.'
Murdock turned round and Brandon inspected him. 'Ok good, not visible. Dad how's the sound.'
BA listened to the small mini disc player that was wired to pick up everything Murdock said. 'Fine.'
'Then it's time to mount up.' Hannibal said, grabbing a gun.
Nicky and Emily got to their feet. Murdock looked at them. 'No way. Sit both of you; I'm not having you within a yard of that place. You stay right here. Nick I want you to keep an eye on your sister.'
'No need.' Emily spoke up. 'I'm going with you so he won't need to stay here.'
'You're staying here, it's too dangerous. I want you safe.'
'I'm going with you!' She protested. Murdock stopped and looked at her; a small smile crossed his face.
'You really look like your Mom right now, you know that.'
His daughter smiled a little and then Murdock grabbed her. He opened a closet door and shoved her inside. Slamming the door shut he locked it. A loud banging started from inside.
'Dad! Let me out!'
'Sorry honey, little trick I learned from Hannibal. I know you won't stay put if I tell you to. We'll come back for you don't worry. Love you sweetheart.'
Nicky stared at him wide eyed. 'You.you put her in the closet.'
Murdock nodded. 'Yeah, now come on. Stick close to Hannibal and Johnny and don't get in the way.'
'I can come with you guys?'
Murdock nodded. 'Sure, at least you don't apologise for hitting people.'
Nick grinned and from inside the closet a loud, 'I heard that!' was heard.
Johnny came into the room. 'Hey, Dad says we're all set to go.' He frowned as he heard the thumping in the closet.
'Uhhh Murdock? Did, you uh, did you lock Emily in the closet?'
Murdock nodded. 'Yeah.'
'Oh.' Johnny looked at him seriously, trying to figure it out. 'Can I ask why?'
Murdock grinned and chuckled. 'Remind me to tell you how your Mom and Dad met sometime.'
He patted Johnny on the back and walked out with Nick to the van. Nick made to get in Brandon's van but Murdock stopped him.
'You're riding with me. You and I need to talk.'
With a puzzled look Nick followed him. 'Sure thing.' He wondered nervously what his father had to say to him. He got in the car that Face had scammed for Murdock and put his seatbelt on.
Murdock grabbed the radio. 'Ready when you are Hannibal but I'd like to stop at the next phone booth, something I've got to do.'
'Ok Murdock but be quick.'
'Sure thing Colonel.' He put the radio back and started to drive, following behind Brandon's van.
'So.uh, what is it that you need to talk to me about?' Nick asked, wanting to get it over and done with.
Murdock licked his lips. 'Nicky, we've been getting along this past year pretty well.' He paused. 'Nick, you're my son and I love you. No more than I love your brother or your sister. I love you all equally you gotta know that.'
Nick swallowed. 'Why.why are you telling me this?'
'Because I know the real reason you got in that plane a few days ago, the reason why you learnt to fly.'
'Oh yeah, what's that?' Nick felt the old walls spring up, he tried to calm himself down. Now was not the time to start the long-standing fight with his father, more important things mattered. 'To prove Stockwell wrong, to prove to yourself that what you knew was true was a lie.'
'You're not making sense.' Nick said, deflecting the question with pretended disinterest. He played with the button on his cuff with more concentration than necessary.
'Nick.son, its ok if you don't like flying. Doesn't mean I'll think any less of you but don't think that I don't care about you because I do. I've lost one son already; I'm not going to lose another. I know I could have done things better, made more of an effort, I'm sorry I didn't. I know it's probably too late now but I just need you to know that if it was you out here instead of Michael, if you were in the situation he is now. Well.I'd do the exact same for you; I'd be out here just the same, doing what I'm doing now.'
Nicky swallowed hard, trying to keep control of his emotion. 'Thanks Dad.' His voice shook slightly.
Murdock nodded and slowed the car down. The two vans ahead had stopped. 'Guess it's time for me to call home and talk to your mother.'
'Mom? What you gonna say? She's gonna be mad.'
'I know.' A small smile touched Murdock's lips. 'I know.' He got out the car and walked over to the phone. He dropped some money in the slot and dialled home. The phone rang several times before the machine picked up.
'Kelly.' Murdock said. 'I.I know you're probably mad at me for just taking off with the kids and I'm sorry honey. In a way I'm glad you're not there right now, I don't know if I could say what I need to say if you were. I've found him Kel, I've found Michael. I swore to you on the day that he left us that I'd find him and bring him home to you. And I will, I promise you that whatever happens now, he will come home safe to you.
Kelly, I don't know what's going to happen, it's dangerous and I'm trying to keep the kids out of it as much as possible. They'll be ok; I won't let anything happen to them. I just.I had to call you, tell you that I'm ok, we're ok and the most important thing; I love you. I always have and I always will, no matter what.' He swallowed hard and forced himself to carry on. 'Sweetheart, if I don't come back you need to know that, I love you. Goodbye.' He put the phone down and wiped away the tears in his eyes, tears he forced himself not to shed.
Several miles away in their home Kelly stood by the phone, a hand to her mouth. Tears pouring down her cheeks, as he said goodbye she grabbed for the phone. 'Murdock!' But he'd already gone and there was only an empty line and an aching loss in her heart.
