Unpleasant Surprise

Nancy woke to the sound of the phone ringing again – only this time it was only 6am.  She answered shortly, "Hello?"

"Nan, it's Joe, sorry to call so early . . ." he sounded exhausted, and the combination of that and the early phone call had Nancy a little alarmed.

"It's OK, Joe. What's up?"

"Well, I wouldn't have even bothered you, but Brett thought you should know . . . Penny Turner was found dead in her apartment early this morning. Her room mate found her."

"Damn," Nancy took a slow breath.

"You didn't happen to see her yesterday, did you?" Joe asked tentatively.

"Yes, I talked to her about 5 or 5:30," Nancy said, knowing what would come next.

"Based on the coroner preliminary evaluation, you may have been one of the last people to speak to her.  I'll need you to come down to the station and give a statement." Joe sounded official.

"Is an hour soon enough?" Nancy asked.

"Yes, just ask for me when you arrive – you know the drill." Joe rang off.

Nancy swung her legs out of bed and sat staring out the window.  Penny's death could be totally unrelated to their meeting yesterday, but Nancy's gut was telling her that wasn't the case.

She took a quick shower, cursing when she couldn't get the second pair of jeans buttoned either.  She gave in and looped a pony tail holder thru the button hole and over the button – this was really becoming annoying.

She made several quick phone calls.  The first was to Blanche, to tell her she was still on the trail and make sure she hadn't heard from Jasmine or Terra.  No such luck.

Next she called Maggie and assured her that she'd be by that evening for dinner.  Maggie told her that they were fine, and if they decided they needed anything, they'd page her.

Finally, she called Riley and brought him up to date on the latest development.  He was less than pleased, and told her to check in after she got done at the station.  She promised she would.

She stared into the refrigerator for a few minutes, before deciding that the cupboards were definitely bare.  It didn't matter, she wasn't all that hungry anyway.  She pulled on her jeans jacket and overcoat, grabbing her gun and holster out of the gun safe – these she stuck in the trunk, and then climbed into the car and headed in to the police station.

At the station, she signed in and headed to Joe's desk.  Brett was there, and the two appeared to be having a heated discussion.  Brett looked up as she approached, "You knew right where to find her, didn't you," he said accusingly.

There was no point in denying it, "She was working the corner by the Wild Boar and was supposedly friends with my missing person.  I thought it might be her when I saw the picture, but I didn't know her real name."

Brett looked at Joe triumphantly, "I told you . . . " turning back to Nancy he said, "I have half a mind to bring you up on obstruction of justice charges – you knew we wanted her for questioning."

Joe raised a hand, "Hang on, Brett, Nancy just said she wasn't sure it was the same person, she didn't have the name.  Besides, you aren't going to be bringing any charges against her, or the Captain would want to know where she got the picture and file information from." Joe looked at Brett pointedly, and he backed down, sulking against the adjacent desk.

Nancy had bit her tongue, and she was glad.  She didn't want to alienate Brett any further, and the reply she'd bit back probably would have.  She turned her attention to Joe, "You wanted a statement, but first I want to know if you have a suspect?"

Joe shook his head, "It was made to look like a john did it, but the killer was definitely wearing gloves, and we haven't yet found any physical evidence at the scene."

"Doesn't exactly sound like a crime of passion," Nancy slumped into the chair by Joe's desk.  She felt miserable, "Why would she be killed?" Nancy said quietly, more to herself than the Joe or Brett.

Brett crossed his arms, "We were hoping you could shed some light on that." He said.

Joe pulled out a tape recorder, "Let's go to an interview room, and get your statement," he looked at Brett, "I'll talk to you later."

In the interview room, Joe shut the door and sat down heavily in the chair across from Nancy, "I should probably be having one of the other officers take your statement," he said wearily.

"Come on, Joe, it's not like I'm a suspect.  Let's just get this over with." Nancy sat back in the chair and stuck her hands in her pockets.

"Alright," he sat forward and pressed the start button on the tape recorder, "First, for the record, state your name and occupation."

"Nancy Murdock, Private Investigator," Nancy supplied her license number.

"When was the last time you saw Penny Turner?"

"I saw her yesterday, at approximately 5:15 pm, only at the time I didn't know that her name was Penny Turner, I thought her name was Clare."

"And why were you going to see Ms. Turner?"

"The previous day, that would be Monday, she had given me information regarding a missing persons case I'm working on.  I was following up on that conversation."

"So you had seen Ms. Turner the day before the murder."

"Yes, for the first time.  She approached me with some information about the woman I'm looking for."

"Who is it you're looking for?"

Nancy hesitated, "My client has requested that I not involve the police."

Joe looked at her sternly, "Nancy, we're involved."

Nancy sighed, "I spoke with my client this morning, and she is steadfast in her request that I not mention the names to the police."  Nancy looked at Joe and shrugged. If he really wanted to know, all he had to do was retrace her steps for the past two days.  Someone would tell him who she'd been asking around about.  But Nancy was not going to be the one to tell him.

"OK, back to Penny Turner, what was the information that she provided you?"

"At our first meeting, she told me that my client had been working for Trigger McGill as a drug courier when she misplaced a parcel.  McGill was apparently upset about this and Penny said she suspected that my client was in trouble.  She said she had also heard through the grapevine that Grant Kennedy was involved, but at the time, she didn't indicate how."

"And yesterday when you talked to her, what did she tell you?" Joe prodded.

"She admitted that she'd lied to me about her name, that's when I found out she was Penny Turner and not Clare, as she had told me before.  She said that she and Trigger had been together, and that she had gotten my client the job with McGill."

Nancy stopped and took a deep breath, "She also said that the whole lost parcel thing was a set up.  Grant Kennedy wanted to get control over my client.  McGill went on a rampage, threatening her, and Kennedy waltzed in as the knight in shining armor to the rescue."

"So you suspect that your missing person is with Grant Kennedy right now."

"Yes, and I think she may be there voluntarily, at least at the moment."

Joe looked at Nancy, the only sound in the room was the sound of the tape recorder running.  He reached out and shut off the recorder, "OK, off the record, Nancy.  What else is going on.  This isn't adding up."

"Nancy, I can't help you if you aren't straight with me, so your missing person is with Kennedy, possibly voluntarily.  You still look worried."

Nancy turned and looked out the window, contemplating, "Off the record?" she asked.

"Off the record," Joe confirmed.

Nancy sighed, "My client's daughter is with her."

Joe sat back, "We're back to the kiddie porn."

Nancy stood and started pacing, "Are we still off the record?"

"Sure."

"Kennedy threatened me.  He's definitely involved, and if he's killed Penny to cover this up there's no telling who might be next."

"But what's he covering up?" Joe said, "Black market porn?  Drugs?  Kennedy has so many layers between him and the dirty deals we've never been able to prosecute."

Nancy shook her head, "Not in this case, Joe.  Kennedy's a pervert, and I think with the porn he likes to be close to the action.  He's definitely gotten his hands dirty on this one, and he's not going to care who he kills to cover it up. Unfortunately, my client is smack dab in the middle of the mess, and so is her 12-year-old daughter."

Half an hour later Joe walked Nancy out to her car, and watched as she strapped on her gun, "I could put you under police protection," Joe said.

"No way, Joe – I'm not the one in danger."

"I disagree, you're in as much danger as Penny Turner was."

"C'mon, I don't have any first hand knowledge of Kennedy's dealings. Penny did – Brett said she had starred in a couple of the films that came out recently.  They were Kennedy productions, and my guess is Kennedy decided she was a liability." Nancy had shrugged back into her coat and slammed her trunk shut, stepping back to the driver's side door.

"I'll be fine, Joe.  I just don't know how to get my client and her daughter out of the predicament they're in.  If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears."

"I'll see what I can do about getting a search warrant, but I've gotta get some hard evidence that Kennedy is involved to swing that."

"I know you'll do your best, and I really appreciate it, Joe.  Tell Trix and the kids I said 'hi'."

Heading Home

General Stockwell had made arrangement with the local authorities to put Chang and his gang under arrest.  The Vietnamese government was more than happy to put a feather in their cap and garner some favor with the Americans.  Chang had been losing popularity anyway, and the powers that be were just as happy to see him out of the picture.

Stockwell strode towards where the Team was waiting in the hangar, "We're all set, gentlemen.  Job well done – we've just shut down one of the largest drugs and arms smuggling rings in Southeast Asia."

"Are you ready to go home?" Hannibal couldn't be certain, but he thought he saw Stockwell smile.

"I was ready to go home over a month ago," Face said irritably, "When does our flight leave?"

Now Stockwell did smile, "You will be riding in the comfort of the jet for your trip home – you've earned it.  Besides, Colonel Smith tells me he has some important business to discuss, and I'm on my way to DC for a meeting anyway."

"Your chariot awaits, gentlemen."

Justified Concern

Nancy headed straight to the office from the station.  Riley was waiting for her, and looked agitated, "Alright, what did the cops say?"

Nancy filled him in on what she had discussed with Joe, "They can't get a warrant without concrete evidence that Kennedy is involved in the whole business. Joe's going to see what he could do, but so far the police are empty-handed."

Riley stood and began pacing, "I don't care what you think – you're in danger.  Kennedy threatened you once and you haven't backed off.  He's going to do more than threaten the next time."

"If I thought I could get away with it, I'd lock you up in a jail cell.  Where is that husband of yours anyway?" Riley looked perturbed.

"If you're thinking that HM can make me do something I don't want to, then you are sorely mistaken," Nancy said, bridling at the insinuation.

"No, but at least if he and his friends were around, I'd feel better about your safety."

"Well, they aren't, and my safety is not your concern.  I can take care of myself."

Riley turned and put his hands on her shoulders, "Nancy, please reconsider Joe's offer of protective custody.  I have a real bad feeling about this."

Nancy smiled and patted one of Riley's hands, "You worry too much, Riley.  If Kennedy wanted me out of the way, he could have had me taken out of the picture at the same time as Penny."

Riley straightened, "OK, then here's what I want you to do," he raised a conciliatory hand as Nancy started to protest, "For my peace of mind – call me on my pager every two hours.  At least then I know you're OK.  And if I don't hear from you, I'll page you, and you'd better answer."

Nancy couldn't argue that the check in wasn't a good precautionary measure, so she agreed to it.

"I'm going to the library for some late morning research right now," Nancy said.  She checked her watch, almost 11:00, "I'll page you around 1:00. And Riley, thanks a lot for worrying about me." She grinned at him as she left.

Riley sat down at his desk and shook his head, Nancy was always getting in over their heads.  He'd never had any problems like these before she'd come into his practice.  She was nothing but trouble.  But then Riley had to admit, he'd always liked trouble.

Just as Nancy walked in to the library, her pager went off, 'Geez, Riley, I just left you 15 minutes ago.'  She pulled the pager up and checked the number, it wasn't Riley, it was Maggie.  She went to the pay phone and called.

"Hey Mags," Nancy said when she got through, "You girls need something?"

"What's wrong, Nancy?" Maggie asked, her young friend sounded tired and tense.

Nancy allowed a smile to cross her face, hoping it sounded in her voice, "It's just been a long morning, but I'm fine.  Why did you call?"

Maggie sighed exaggeratedly, "You're a terrible liar.  But maybe this will cheer you up - the guys are on their way home.  They'll be here sometime tomorrow."

Nancy felt like a great weight was lifted off her shoulders, HM was coming home.  He and the others were all safe!

"Maggie, that is the best news I've had in some time," Nancy said sincerely.

Maggie smiled at the relief in Nancy's voice, "Are you still coming over for dinner tonight?"

"Planning on it," Nancy said, "I'm at the library right now, and I have a couple other errands to run, but I think I may make it an early day, I'm whooped. Is there anything you need me to pick up?"

"We don't need anything," Maggie said, "Just take care of yourself, and get over here as soon as you can.  You sound like you could use some good company."

"I'll see you soon," Nancy said, before ringing off.

Nancy headed to the reference section.  She wanted to see what she could find out about the gated community that Kennedy lived in.  She started by pulling out a city map, and going to the desk to have a copy made of the section in which she was interested.  Then she pulled out the street index, and began making notes on the people that lived within the community.  She didn't personally recognize any of them.  She starred Kennedy's neighbors.

Next she checked the quadrant map, and requested the last aerial photo of the section with Kennedy's estate.  The aerial wasn't very much help, but did give Nancy an idea of the extent of Kennedy's holdings.  He could hide a small army on that place, let alone a single woman and child.

Nancy pulled all her notes out and went over them again.  She sat back and caught sight of the clock, it was almost 1:00.  She gathered up all the papers she had scattered and shoved them into her purse.  Then she returned all of the reference materials she had out.  Finally, she went to the phone and called Riley's pager.

After grabbing a quick lunch she decided to stop by the shelter.  When she walked in Father Jebadiah greeted her with his usual joviality, and motioned a skinny youth over, "Nancy, I'd like you to meet Jeremy."

Nancy smiled and shook the young man's hand.  He couldn't have even been 20, and his hands were sweaty.  He was very self conscious, and seemed to have difficulty looking anyone in the eye.

"It's nice to meet you Jeremy.  I understand you saw Jasmine last Wednesday evening." Father led them to the shelter office as they spoke, "I'd really appreciate anything that you can remember about your conversation.  I think she may be in big trouble."

Jeremy nodded, as they sat down in the office, "Jazz was nervous about the threats from Trigger, she came to talk to Father Jebadiah, to see what he thought of the offer she had for protection."

"Who offered her the protection, Jeremy?" Nancy asked.

Jeremy looked at Nancy uncertainly, "She said 'Mr. President'," he said, "but I can't imagine that the President would get involved."

Father was watching intently, "You know who she was talking about, don't you?"

Nancy stood, "I'm afraid so, it confirms what I had heard from another source. Jeremy, did Jazz say where Mr. President was going to hide her and Terra."

"She said that it would be safer if no one knew where they were.  That's all I remember. I hope it helps.  Jazz is great, I'd hate to see her hurt."

Nancy agreed, "So would I."

Nancy thanked Father Jebediah and Jeremy for their time, "Please be very careful who you talk to about this – McGill and Mr. President are very powerful men , who aren't afraid to do whatever they feel is necessary to protect themselves."

Nancy asked if she could use the phone and called to talk to Joe, "Joe, you know that protective custody you talked about, I have a couple of candidates that could use some extra attention."

Nancy gave Joe Father Jebediah's and Jeremy's names and explained that they could link Kennedy to Jasmine, "I don't think they're in any immediate danger, but it might be worthwhile to keep an eye on them.  I don't want to take any chances – I already screwed up with one person."

"Nan, Penny Turner's death was not your fault.  Don't beat yourself up over it.  But I will put a couple officers on your friends, they'll be over in about half an hour."

Nancy hung out at the shelter, just in case, until the officers arrived.  She made introductions, and then headed out.  It was now about 3:00, and she was feeling dead tired, and with HM coming home, she had to pick up groceries.  She stopped by the office and saw Riley, instead of paging him.  She told him she would be at Amy's for the rest of the afternoon and early evening.

Then she called Maggie from the office, and asked once more if they needed anything.  Maggie gave her a short list of grocery items.

Nancy stopped by the grocery store and picked up everything for Maggie, along with a whole load of groceries for home.  She loaded everything into the car and headed over to Amy's place.

Riley called Amy's at 5:00 and cussed Nancy out for not keeping with her check in schedule.  Nancy was rapidly tiring of the check in – she told Riley she'd be fine, she was staying at Amy's until later that evening.

"Fine," Riley said stubbornly, "Then call me when you get ready to head home, I'll meet you there."

"Fine." Nancy said peevishly.

"Fine, I'll see you then." With that Riley hung up.

"What was that all about?" Maggie asked.

Nancy came into the living room and dropped into an overstuffed chair, "Oh, Riley's showing his paternal side.  He's been making me check in with him every two hours, to make sure I'm OK."

Maggie, Amy and Mama B all looked at her in surprise, Mama was the first to find her voice, "That doesn't sound like Riley – what have you gotten yourself into, girl?"

Nancy sighed; she'd said way too much, now she'd have a whole flock of mother hens chasing after her, "Honestly, I will be fine.  I'm not the one I'm worried about."

"Did you find Jasmine and Terra?" Amy asked.

"No, but I think I know where they are, and it isn't a good place."

Maggie shook her head, "You're staying here tonight, where we can keep an eye on you."

"I can't Maggie, I have a boat load of groceries in the car, and I need to get the house straightened up before HM gets home."

"HM could care less whether the house is clean," Maggie said dismissively.

"Maybe so, but he will definitely notice that there is no food in it." Nancy said with a chuckle.

They had dinner and sat around visiting afterwards, with Maggie, Amy and Mama trying to convince Nancy to stay.  Finally, at 9:00, Nancy said she was going home.  She called Riley, who said he'd meet her there, which allayed the other women's fears somewhat.

"Please listen to Riley, and stay safe." Maggie entreated.

"I'll be fine.  See you tomorrow."  Nancy headed out and down the road.

When she arrived at home, Riley was already there, so Nancy put him to work hauling in groceries, "This is ignominious work for such a noble professional." Riley whined.

Nancy laughed, "You don't even know what 'ignominious' means, Riley."

"Do so."

Riley helped Nancy put the groceries away, and then Nancy set to work dusting and sweeping and straightening up, "What's the occasion?" Riley asked after an hour of maid work.

Nancy's grin was broad, "HM is going to be home tomorrow."

"Thank goodness – then I can give up the 'I care' routine and go back to being the disgruntled boss."

Nancy threw a pillow at him, "You can give up the routine now.  I'm going to bed," she pointed to the door, "Go on home, Riley, I'll lock up after you and won't let anybody in, cross my heart . . ."

"Don't say it," Riley interjected, "It's OK, I'll just bed down here on the couch."

Nancy sighed, "Suit yourself, Riley. Goodnight."  She went upstairs to bed.

Now You See Her

Riley woke with a start and laid very still listening.  He sat up slowly and scanned the dark room, catching a glimpse of a face out of the corner of his eye.  This was just before a hand came across his face with a rag.  Riley struggled briefly before going limp, "Good night Mr. Adams," McGill said with a laugh.

He trussed Riley up, checking that the bonds were firm, then turned to the man that he'd brought with him and hissed, "Let's go get the bitch and get outta here before we're seen."

Upstairs, the same scenario played out again, only Nancy was caught out of a deep sleep. McGill picked her up over his shoulder and the two men exited the house without a sound.

A few hours later, Nancy woke disoriented, and with a raging headache.  She lay very still, trying to remember what had happened.  She had had dinner at Amy's then gone home and Riley had come over to stay, to keep an eye on her. Then . . .

She sat up suddenly, "Riley."

"I assure you, Mr. Adams is just fine. Probably kicking himself right now, but nonetheless, unharmed." Kennedy was sitting in a chair a few feet from the couch Nancy was laying on.  She was glad that she had decided to put on a pair of sweats with Murdock's t-shirt – mainly in consideration of her house guest. 

She swung her feet to the floor and turned to face Kennedy, "I really didn't think you'd be this stupid." She said derisively, "Joe Martin and Brett Katt are going to be all over you when they realize I'm gone."

"What was it you said to me when we first met, 'Don't underestimate your opponent' – well Ms. Murdock you are guilty of gross underestimation." Kennedy's smile was smug, "It will take Marin and Katt at least 24 hours to get a search warrant.  I assure you, they will find nothing here to link me to your disappearance."

Nancy stood up and walked around the room, "So, what do you have in mind?"

His eyes raked up and down her body, "A little private performance – before the finale."

"You really are a pervert aren't you," Nancy said looking down at him, "Jazz was an easy mark, but you had to have her daughter, too.  So what's the attraction here," Nancy  put a hand to her chest, "I'm not a looker like Jazz and I'm a little older than 12."

Kennedy stood, and walked up to Nancy, until she could feel his breath on her face. She stood her ground rebelliously.  Kennedy laughed and moved back to his seat, "That – the defiance.  All the women that I've had recently have been much too acquiescent.  I'm ready for a challenge."

Nancy didn't like the sound of that at all.  To hide her nervousness, she started talking.

"Where are we?" she asked conversationally.

"You know where we are. Paul said you've been snooping around the community lately."

"How big is this place – I saw some aerials, it looked huge."

"It's over 4 acreas." He offered.

"When do I get to see Jasmine and Terra – are they still here?"

"Jasmine and Terra are perfectly safe in their little haven from Mr. McGill.  Really, you put yourself in this position to come after someone who was here willingly."

"Perhaps Jazz came willingly, but Terra had no choice in the matter." Nancy's eyes flashed, "You haven't touched Terra?"

Kennedy shook his head, "Not yet.  Paul is making the arrangements for the filming now.  You'll see Jasmine and Terra shortly."

Nancy walked to a window and looked out.  They were on the second floor, and the window overlooked the grounds behind the mansion.  Without trying, she counted three men with submachine guns guarding the area.

Kennedy was watching her with interest, "Planning your escape? Trust me it's quite hopeless.  You would never make it out."

Nancy turned and smiled ingenuously, "I was just admiring the lovely gardens. You must have quite a gardening staff to keep this place up." She looked back out, memorizing everything she could see, it could come in handy.

Kennedy walked up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.  Nancy steeled herself to keep from flinching.  He moved his hands down her arms.  Nancy made her move, stomping back on his instep and bringing her elbow into his solar plexus.  Then she took her doubled fist and round-housed him on the side of the head.  He dropped to his knees.

Nancy picked up the nearest heavy object she could find and hit him over the head as he tried to rise, effectively knocking him out, "Who underestimated whom?" Nancy asked aloud, before stepping over Kennedy's motionless body and heading towards the door

She opened the door, and looked warily up and down the hall before stepping out.  There weren't any surveillance cameras evident, but Nancy had a feeling that that was deceptive.  It was very quiet, with no one apparently around, which made her nervous.  This was almost too easy.  She started down the hall, glancing into each open doorway before cautiously moving by.

Jasmine and Terra had to be somewhere nearby.  She had to find them and get the hell out, which she knew was going to be easier said than done.  When she reached the stairway, she looked down, then up.  Hearing male voices down she decided up was her best bet.

On the third floor, she went through the same routine, moving quietly down the hall.  The house seemed to be totally empty, and the uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach was getting worse.  Something wasn't right, she should have come upon at least a couple of gun-toting guards by now.  The fourth door on the right was closed, and Nancy walked over to it and put an ear to the door.  She thought she heard a girl's voice, though only briefly.  There couldn't be that many girls here.

She moved to the next room, which was empty, and entered, closing the door quietly behind her. She did a quick recon of the room, again no surveillance cameras were evident.  Maybe Kennedy felt secure within his four acre estate, and didn't feel the need, but Nancy found that hard to believe.  But, there really was nothing else to do than to go with it.  She headed out to the balcony to see if she could get a view into the adjacent room, where she'd heard the voices.

The sun was just starting to rise, but the light was still faint.  She went out onto the balcony quietly and looked into the grounds below.  She saw one of the many armed guards walking a path about a hundred feet out from the house.  She watched him for about 5 minutes, and he never once looked up towards the house.

There was only a gap of about 2 feet between the balcony Nancy was on and the adjacent balcony.  She climbed up on the railing, and leaned over, trying to get a view into the next room without actually climbing onto its balcony.  She found that this was impossible with the doors into the room closed, and had to give in and climb on over.

Looking into the room, she saw Jasmine and Terra, both apparently unharmed.  Jasmine seemed to still be asleep, but Terra was awake, and laying across the end of the bed reading a book.  There was no one else in the room.  Nancy pulled the door open and walked in.

Terra sat up abruptly, "Nancy, what are you doing here?"

Terra's outburst had awakened Jasmine, kind of.  She rolled over and sat up rubbing her eyes.  She looked first at Terra then at Nancy, "Who are you?"

Terra turned to her mother, "This is Nancy Murdock, she's a friend of Gram's."

Nancy looked at the two appraisingly, "Well, as much as I'd love to chat, we really need to get out of here."

Jasmine's face turned to stone, "We're not going anywhere.  We're safe here."

Nancy sighed, she had hoped this would be easy, but obviously Jasmine was going to take some convincing, "So, you're safe here, huh? From whom, McGill?" Nancy couldn't keep the contempt out of her voice, "The person you really need to worry about is Kennedy.  The guy's a nut."

"Grant Kennedy took us in and protected us when no one else could," Jasmine countered stubbornly.

"Out of the goodness of his heart? What have you been doing for him Jasmine?" Nancy looked at Terra, considering her next words carefully, "Protection from one of his own men, in return for certain personal favors? Sounds like quite a scam to me."

"You don't know what you're talking about.  Grant loves me – he'll take care of me and my daughter."

"It was a set up from the beginning – Grant Kennedy wanted one thing," Nancy said, becoming angry, "Well maybe two.  I cannot believe you would expose your 12-year-old daughter to such a man."

"Grant thinks of Terra as a daughter," Jasmine said, standing up and putting her hands on her hips, "He wants to take care of her.  And me."

"I don't think you have a full picture of just how Kennedy wants to 'take care' of you," Nancy countered, trying to calm down and be reasonable.  This discussion was wasting time. She decided it was time for a different tact, "Why do you think he brought me here?"

"He didn't bring you here," Jasmine said dismissively, "You broke in – you are nothing but a common burglar."

Nancy laughed humorlessly, "Sure, I broke in here past a dozen armed guards and a sophisticated security system.  Kennedy had McGill kidnap me out of my home this morning and bring me here.  He's planning on doing some filming, and I know you understand what kind of filming I mean, before disposing of all of us."

Jasmine was starting to look frightened, Nancy got the distinct impression she'd already been the subject of some of Kennedy's films.  Nancy was getting an eerie feeling, as she watched Jasmine's eyes roving around the room, apparently searching for something.  She walked over to a decorative sconce on the wall opposite and said, "Son of a bitch – he's been filming us the whole time. That fucking pervert!" The words practically exploded from her mouth. 

She turned and looked at Nancy, "I thought he was just interested in me – Terra was along for the ride.  I thought I could keep her safe . . ." her voice trailed off.

"That's not important now," Nancy said consolingly, "What's important now is that we get the hell out of here."

Jasmine dropped into a chair, disconsolately, "It's no use – he's watching us right now.  He's probably been watching the whole time.  We wouldn't make it to the front door."

Nancy raised an eyebrow, "While I don't disagree with you, I also don't plan to just sit here and take whatever Kennedy has planned.  I'm going to try and get out of here, and for your daughter's sake, I'd think you would, too."

Jasmine stood, "Terra, get dressed. I guess there's no harm in seeing how far we can get."

Homecoming

The jet landed at the airfield at about 6am.  Hannibal and General Stockwell had been in intense discussion for a good portion of the trip, but had finally come to an agreement.  The Team could go into a retirement of sorts, as long as they trained other teams in the organization in their methods.  Hannibal told the General that half of the battle was going to be developing cohesive Teams that worked together as one.  That wasn't going to happen overnight.

They disembarked the plane immediately upon landing.  It had been a long mission, and they were all relieved to be home. Hannibal, BA, and Face were all headed to the same place, and piled into BA's van.  Murdock climbed into his truck and waved goodbye, heading the other direction.

At home Murdock parked behind a Buick, wondering idly whose vehicle it was.  Grabbing his duffle out of the back of the truck, he jogged up to the house and let himself in.  He dropped the bag by the back door, put his jacket on the peg board, and headed quietly upstairs.

In the bedroom, he found an empty bed, and started towards the bathroom, "Nan, where are you?"  He called quietly.  A quick search of the upstairs didn't reveal her anywhere, so he headed back downstairs, puzzled.  Maybe she stayed at Amy's last night.

He started towards the kitchen to call Amy and Face, when he heard a strangled noise coming from the living room.  He walked cautiously into the room, until he saw Riley.  Leaning down over Riley, Murdock pulled the gag off his mouth.  A burst of expletives greeted him, followed by, "Murdock, thank God you're home.  They've got Nancy."

Murdock had pulled out his pocket knife and after getting Riley to a sitting position, cut off the ropes binding his hands, "Who has Nancy?" He asked, alarm evident in his voice.

"I can't be sure, but I think McGill and some thug were the ones that took her last night.  But if I had to place bets, I'd bet Kennedy's behind it."

Murdock considered this for a split second before standing and making for the kitchen phone.  He called the Peck house, and Maggie answered the phone, her voice cheerful.

Murdock didn't waste any words, "Maggie, I need to talk to Hannibal."

Maggies felt her heart drop into her toes.  She turned and held the phone to Hannibal, "Nancy's in trouble," her voice was barely above a whisper.

Hannibal strode forward and took the phone, "Yea?"

"Hannibal, Nancy's been kidnapped.  I came home to find Riley trussed up on my couch and no wife in sight."

"We'll be right over."

Riley came walking into the kitchen as Murdock hung up the phone, "Do you know where they'd be holding her?"

Riley nodded, "Probably at Kennedy's estate in Langley Woods." Riley spied Nancy's purse, sitting on the kitchen counter and walked over to it.  He pulled her notebook and a stack of papers out, spreading them on the counter.

"Nancy was doing some research on the place yesterday at the Library, here are her notes.  Not much, but I'd bet that's where she is." Riley said.

"What do you know about the layout and security?"

Riley shook his, but then smiled, "I don't know anything, but I know someone who could probably help."

Riley went to the phone and dialed Joe Martin at home, "Joe, we've got a problem.  McGill snatched Nan sometime early this morning."

Joe had been groggy when he picked up the phone, but he was wide awake by the time Riley finished his sentence, "Shit, I knew I should have locked her in a cell – whether she liked it or not."

Riley chuckled, but then turned serious again, "Murdock wants to know about the estate, I told him that was probably where they had her."

"Murdock's home? Thank goodness," Joe felt slightly relieved, though not much, "Put him on."

Murdock took the phone, "Hey, Joe, what can you tell me about this place?"

Joe sighed, "Unfortunately, not a lot, but I do know that there are at least a dozen armed guards that patrol the grounds at any one time.  He has a sophisticated security system, with cameras and motion detectors, so getting in undetected could be tricky.  The one thing you might have going for you is the vegetation – the grounds are practically a jungle, and should provide good cover."

"You're going to have to go in quiet," Joe warned, "If he gets wind that you're coming, he'll dispose of Nancy and any evidence, without a second thought."

Murdock was nodding, "Thanks, Joe.  It's better than going in totally blind."

"I'll head to the court house now, I may be able to swing an emergency search warrant and get you some backup.  But it's gonna take time, as Kennedy well knows."

"If what you say is true, a bunch of cop cars screaming in could be the wrong tact anyway."

"Call my pager when you get in," Joe gave him the number, "I'll be ready with backup just in case.  I can justify entering the grounds without a warrant if I know that there are people in immediate danger."

"Thanks, again, Joe."

Murdock hung up, and returned to the notes and copies that Nancy had collected over the last three days.  He skimmed the notes, his alarm mounting, "According to this, it looks like Jasmine and Terra may be in there, too."

"Nancy's suspected that for a couple days.  Joe's aware of the situation, but there was no evidence to justify a search warrant."

They heard the sound of gravel crunching under tires, and a few minutes later, Hannibal, BA, and Face came trooping in. 

Hannibal was jazzed, "What's the situation?"

Murdock filled him in on what he knew, "First we need to get into the gated community, then we need to get into the estate.  I don't think this is going to be a walk in the park."

Hannibal nodded, the wheels starting to turn, "Murdock, call the General.  I'd bet he can get us in the gate.  After that, I think we can handle a few thugs with submachine guns."

Murdock headed to the phone to call his Uncle-in-law, and quickly filled him in.  Stockwell was walking in the door within 10 minutes, the codes necessary to get into the gates in hand.  Hannibal laid out a simple plan, they'd go in, stealth mode, taking out the guards one at a time, then make their way into the house, "We don't have much on the security system, so it's going to be slow.  Just like looking for booby traps in the jungle."

Stockwell was listening quietly, "I'm going into the courthouse, to give Detective Martin some backup on getting a search warrant.  Mr. Riley, you should come with me, your testimony to the judge could be helpful in securing the warrant," he turned to Hannibal, "I'll have a backup team waiting in the wings, ready to move in on your order Colonel Smith."  With that he turned and left, with Riley reluctantly trailing behind.

Hannibal turned to his Team, "Let's saddle up – the sooner we get Nancy and the others out of there, the better."

Just Playing

Terra and Jasmine were dressed in no time.  Nancy turned to Jasmine, "Do you know anywhere that we could find some weapons of some sort?"

Jasmine shook her head. But Terra jumped in, "The library downstairs has a bunch of antique armor and weapons that we might be able to use."

Nancy smiled at her appreciatively, "That's a great idea. Where's the library?"

"First floor, at the other end of the house.  I've been spending a lot of time there." She added.

Nancy led the way out of the room and down the hall.  Once again, they didn't meet anyone in the hallway, giving Nancy that eerie feeling of being watched again.  She was becoming more and more certain that this was all an elaborate set up for Kennedy's amusement, but she really didn't see any other recourse.  They just had to try and get as far as possible; maybe Kennedy would slip up and give them a window of opportunity for escape.

Once on the first floor, Nancy let Terra lead the way.  She mimicked what she had seen Nancy doing in the upstairs hallway, checking each corner and entry before moving across it.  Nancy had to smile; she was definitely a quick study.

The doors to the library were open, and they entered unimpeded.  Nancy looked around the room, taking inventory, maces, fencing swords, heavy fighting swords, and lances.  Most of the weapons in the room were too weighty and unwieldy to be of any use to them, except maybe the maces, and the fencing sword were fairly useless as a weapon.

Terra went straight over to the set of maces, and pulled them down off the wall, handing one to her mother.  They found that even the maces were too heavy for them to handle them with any effectiveness.  Nancy walked around the room.  Back behind a big oversize antique desk was a glass display cabinet with old revolvers in it.  Under the display was a locked cabinet.

Nancy turned to the desk and rifled through the drawers quickly. Not finding a key, she pulled out a paper clip and set to work jimmying the cabinet lock open.  Under the cabinet she found several types of ammunition, but was most happy to find a small, modern hand gun. 

She pulled it out and checked the chamber, it was only a 6+1 shot, but there was extra ammo in the cabinet.  Better than nothing.  She shoved the gun into the back of her waist band thinking that at this point it was a good thing all of her pants were tight, or she'd be losing it in her underwear.  Then she dumped the extra ammo into her pocket.

"Have either of you ever handled fire arms?" both shook their heads no, and Nancy decided that it would probably be pointless to give them guns.  The models left were antique, and required some skill to handle.  Besides they would be on the move, and in inexperienced hands the guns could be more dangerous to them then Kennedy's men.

"Well, might as well see how far we can get.  Are you ready?"

They moved to the door that led onto the porch from the library.  Nancy cracked the door and looked out.  The light was rapidly increasing, which was going to be to their disadvantage.  She didn't see anyone on the porch, so she moved on out and motioned for Terra and Jasmine to follow.

They had just started moving into the garden off the porch, with Nancy in the lead, followed by Jasmine, with Terra taking up the rear, when a strangled cry brought Nancy up short.

Turning back she felt her heart drop, she'd known this was too good to be true.  But she had hoped that Kennedy would let them get far enough where they might have a chance of escape.

"I think that is just about far enough," Kennedy had Terra's arm and was holding a gun to her head, "I'd hate to underestimate my opponent." His tone was mocking.

He motioned with the gun, indicating that Jasmine and Nancy should come back into the house.  Jasmine was seething, "You filthy pervert, take your hands off of my daughter."

Kennedy's smile was pure evil, "Oh I plan to have my hands all over your daughter, Jasmine, just as I've had them all over you," he reached out and stroked Jasmine's cheek, and she flinched.

When they entered the library again, a young sandy-haired man in professor glasses came in, looking distastefully at the scene.  Kennedy regarded him with amusement, "Paul, please relieve Ms. Murdock of the gun.  I'd hate to give her any opportunities, as I seriously doubt she'd waste them."

McGill came striding in as well, "Martin was seen headed to the court house early this morning.  We need to get this over with before the cops manage to get a search warrant." Nancy felt a slight surge of elation, maybe there was some hope.

Kennedy smiled smugly, "They don't have any hard evidence that Ms. Murdock is here – it will take Martin some fast talking to get a judge to grant a search warrant."

"Just the same, this is risky." McGill growled, obviously not happy with the way things were going down.

"Boy are you gullible, McGill," Nancy said derisively, "He's setting you up to take the fall, you know."

One look at Paul showed that Nancy was right on target – well sometimes a girl got lucky, she just hoped McGill had seen the panic cross the young man's face and realized what it meant.  She had a bad feeling that he wasn't that smart.

"McGill looked at her warily, "Shut up, bitch.  You aren't going to get to me with some stupid mind game."

Nancy shrugged, "Suit yourself. It just seems obvious to me that there's going to have to be a fall guy to take the rap for four murders, and you are in a prime position to play that role."

McGill looked at Nancy, and she could practically see the wheels turning in his head, "Why do you think Kennedy sent you to kill Penny?  Why did you have to personally handle my kidnapping? Who was Jasmine running from?  You, in all cases, and the police are going to figure that out, probably with some skillfully placed evidence."

McGill turned to Kennedy angrily, "You been settin' me up all along." He advanced on Kennedy who nodded to Paul.  Paul was still standing next to Nancy.  He took the gun that he'd just pulled from Nancy's waist band, and standing behind her, raised his arm at her shoulder height, and shot McGill right between the eyes.

Nancy was stunned.  Of course, they wanted it to look like she had killed McGill.  Her fingerprints were all over the gun.  She was starting to feel like she was in a very bad dream, where she was powerless to move the way she wanted.

Neutralizing Maneuvers

Hannibal and the Team, along with their backup got into the community using the key code that the General had obtained.  They moved a panel van, advertising carpet cleaning into place just down the street from the main gate into Kennedy's estate.  The backup team would wait here for Hannibal's signal.  The Team ranged silently along the walls surrounding the estate, getting a general feel for the layout and looking for a good entry point.  They reconvened near the van, and compared notes.

After hearing everyone's report, Hannibal made a decision, "We'll go over the wall at the southeast corner.  There's a lot of heavy vegetation there that will hopefully provide some good cover for our entry.  Be on the look out for motion sensors.  Let's move out."

They made it over the wall without incident. Face was the first over, and pointed out the motion sensors to each of his team mates in turn as they joined him.  Once they were all over, Hannibal nodded, and they split up, ranging out into the grounds to take out the guards and make their way to the house.

Murdock moved through the foliage, catching site of an unwary guard.  He slung his weapon over his shoulder and pulled himself up into a small maple tree by the side of the path.  As the guard walked underneath, Murdock swung down, sprawling him unconscious across the path.  He dropped down and checked to make sure the man was out of action.

He dragged the man off the path and cuffed him to a tree, out of sight.  When he went to tie a gag on, he noticed the small head set and receiver the guard was wearing. He pulled them off, looking curiously at the receiver which was labeled 'SE2', then clipped them on himself.  There was only occasional traffic, and it appeared to be regularly timed check ins.  They were going to have to hurry before central security realized that their guards were disappearing.

Face rose from his second guard, pulling the same kind of receiver and head set off.  He checked the label 'NE1'.  He already had one strapped to himself, so he tossed this one in the bushes, away from his most recent captive.  A voice crackled over his head set, "NE2, radio check?"

That was the label on the receiver Face was wearing.  He flicked a switch up on the ear piece, "Uh, NE2, all clear."

"Base clear," came the reply.  Face let out a relieved breath, and headed further in towards the house.

BA pulled his second capture into the foliage and cuffed him to a tree, gagging him and throwing his head set and receiver into the bushes.  He'd heard Face's voice on the last radio check, and checked the tag on the receiver before tossing it.  They had to keep the base operator in the dark as long as possible.  He moved in towards his next target, repeating the numbers for his guards in his head so he wouldn't miss a radio check.

Hannibal neutralized a third guard, pulling him some distance to get him out of site.  Nearer the house, the vegetation wasn't as thick or tall, and it was getting more difficult to move without being seen.  It was also getting increasingly light, which was definitely to their disadvantage.  As he stood from securing the guard, he heard a muffled sound, that he could have sworn was a gun shot.  He headed toward the house, keeping low, and moving quickly.

As Hannibal neared the porch, he scanned the surrounding landscape. BA, Face, and Murdock were all moving in as he was and there wasn't a guard in site.  The radio checks were infrequent, only occurring about every 10 minutes.  Hannibal checked his watch, it had taken them 25 minutes to get this far, and they were close enough to their target that they could afford to be a little bolder.  He waved his gun towards the house, running in towards the porch in a crouch, followed closed by the rest of the Team.

Up on the porch, they conferred quietly behind a screen of climbing roses, "Alright, BA you're with me, we're going in the front.  Murdock and Face, circle around back.  Case the house, we need to find where they're being held and we need to neutralize central security."

Surprise Party

Nancy found her tongue quickly after the shooting, "You never do your own dirty work, do you Kennedy?" she said caustically.

Kennedy didn't reply, but nodded his head at Paul, who nudged Nancy in the back with the gun, "Have a seat, Ms. Murdock."  Nancy sat in a straight back chair and Paul tied her hands tightly behind her and tied her legs roughly to the chair legs, effectively immobilizing her.  He then moved over and took the gun from Kennedy, sitting Terra in another chair, and motioning Jasmine to another.  Jasmine sat reluctantly, obviously wanting to get Paul and the gun away from her daughter.

Kennedy moved in front of Nancy and crouched so that his face was level with hers, "I've really enjoyed our little play, Nancy, but I fear McGill was right about one thing, we will have to hurry."

He ran a finger along her jaw line, down her neck and between her breasts, "Such a pity, too, I was hoping to take my time with you – break you properly."

He leaned in a kissed her roughly, his hands closing around her neck in a strangle hold.  Nancy couldn't move and she couldn't breath.  She could feel consciousness slipping away, when he suddenly released her.  His eyes were bright, as he looked at her, "I'm afraid it will be much more enjoyable for me than for you." He said.

"Go to hell," Nancy choked out, just before he backhanded her across the face.

Kennedy's hand was caught mid-air, as he swung back to slap her again.  Hannibal bent it back and forced Kennedy to his knees, placing the muzzle of his revolver between Kennedy's eyes, "You're lucky I got here first, or I'd guarantee you'd be dead right now," Hannibal said through gritted teeth.

Kennedy looked for Paul, only to see him hanging from BA's jeweled fist like a rag doll.  There would be no help from that corner.

Hannibal got him to his feet and pushed him over to the fireplace, with BA and his parcel close behind, "Secure them, I'm going to get Nancy loose." Jasmine had rushed to Terra's side, and was standing protectively with her.

Hannibal noticed Kennedy looking expectantly at the door, as he moved back towards Nancy.  He laughed, "If you're looking for help from your security personnel, forget it.  They're out of commission."

Hannibal spoke into the headset he was wearing, "Face, Murdock front northwest corner of the house. We've got 'em." 

Face responded immediately "We're at security central, Colonel.  Signal the backup in, we've got the front gate open. Oh, and Murdock is on his way down."

Hannibal signaled the back up team.  BA secured Paul and Kennedy, cuffing each to the fire place iron work, while Hannibal worked to get Nancy loose.  As soon as her arms were free she threw them around him in relief, "I have never been so happy to see anyone in my life," she admitted.

She stood on shaky legs as Murdock came running through from the front hall.  He was at her side in an instant and gathered her into a bear hug, "Are you alright?" he looked at her critically, noting the bloody lip, and blackening eye.

Nancy reached up and touched the eye gingerly, "Not another one," she moaned, her usual assuredness returning, "Maggie's never going to let me live this down."

In the yard, police cars were pulling in with sirens blaring – Joe had obviously gotten his search warrant.  Nancy turned to Kennedy, her jaw set, "Hear that, Kennedy, that's the sound of your future rushing to meet you."

Kennedy laughed, "Don't count me out yet, my dear.  Rest assured that I will make you pay . . . eventually."

Murdock's eyes flashed, and he turned towards Kennedy, but Hannibal's voice stopped him, "At ease, Captain.  He's not worth it."

Nancy had a restraining hand on his arm.  Murdock glanced at the Colonel who motioned for him to take Nancy outside.  Murdock obliged.  Turning back to Nancy, he put an arm around her shoulders and steered her out of the library and into the yard.

He put his hands on her shoulders and leaned down to look directly in her eyes, his own still reflecting tension and worry, "Are you sure you're OK?"

Nancy smiled, "I am now." She put her arms around his waist and they held on to each other like they'd never let go.

Reunion

It took the police awhile to round up all of the men scattered across the yard.  Nancy, Jasmine and Terra were all checked out by paramedics, and deemed healthy, if a bit worse for the wear.

During the entire ordeal, Jasmine never left her daughter's side, keeping a protective arm around her.  The last few hours had brought home just how off her judgment had been, and she seemed to be determined to make sure Terra was never put in harms way again.

Nancy walked over and looked at the two with some concern.  Brett had just finished questioning them, and they looked exhausted.

"Are you two alright?" Nancy asked.

Jasmine looked at Nancy, and shook her head, "I think it's gonna be awhile before I'm really alright.  I can't believe I was so stupid.  It has to be the drugs – they have to stop.  Here and now."

Terra gave her mother a squeeze around the waist, "Gram always said if you gave up the drugs you could come home," her young voice sounded hopeful, she'd obviously missed her mother.

Jasmine looked at her daughter lovingly, "I'll be home, but not until I'm clean.  There's a clinic in DC.  I'll go there for rehab, and be home when the drugs are out of my system," she smiled warmly at Terra's disappointed look, and kissed her forehead, "It's for the best sweet heart.  Trust me, the rehab isn't going to be pretty."

A police car pulled up nearby, and Blanche jumped out of the back of it when the officer opened the door.  She came running up to her daughter and granddaughter, and caught both of them in a strangling hug, "Oh thank God, you're both OK," she sobbed, kissing both and refusing to let go, "I thought I'd never see you again."

A few minutes later, after convincing herself that Jasmine and Terra were both alright, Blanche turned to Nancy, "I'll never be able to thank you enough," she said, coming forward and giving Nancy a warm embrace and kiss on the cheek.  She looked in Nancy's eyes, and a glimmer of humor lit her face, "I'll start with a life-time supply of cabbage rolls!"

Murdock came up as if on cue, "Did you say cabbage rolls? Yummy, I'm starving."

Nancy laughed, "You have no idea what you're getting yourself into, Blanche!"