Chapter 5
1115 ZULU Graveside Service La Jolla, CA
(The storm had ceased and the sun broke through the sky on a day that internally was clouded in sadness and anger of one Harmon Rabb Junior. As the pastor of his parents church read a verse from the bible, Harm sat silently, staring intently not on the figure speaking beside the duel grave sites, but on the ocean beyond the graveyard that seemed to carry and endless supply of serenity in a time that none seemed to exist in his world. Mac never left his side and wavered only to stop the strands of tears that trickled down her face. Partly because during the brief times she had met Harm's mother and stepfather she had grown to like and care for them very much, but mostly because of the pain that their loss was causing the man she loved. As the pastor finished his reading the guests at the graveside service slowly formed a line to pay their final respects. As they walked up the line Mac held Harms hand tightly, silently letting him knows that she was there for him. He squeezed back in acknowledgement. Such had become their "thing" over the past day and a half. Words seemed to mean less and less and actions told all they needed to know. As Mac found herself in front of the gravesite she felt compelled to follow suit of the other guests and say a final word to the parents she would never get to know completely. Most of the guests had departed as there would be no further memorial service. That was the way Trish and Frank wanted it and Harm and Mac had made the arrangements while in flight to San Diego.)
"Trish, Frank. Lord knows this is not the way I ever wanted to say this, but here we are and I can't change that. I guess that is what is killing me. The fact that your loss hurts Harm so much and I can't change anything to take away his pain. I just want you to know that I won't let him down. Not ever again. I so wish we had the time to get to know each other better. I know that you were both wonderful people just seeing the man Harm turned out to be. The truth is that your loss tells me something that I never want to realize. We don't have all the time in the world. I know you're both in a better place now than this crazy world, but know that you are loved and missed by us all. Rest in peace."
(Mac slowly wiped away the tears from her eyes. She stepped aside to give Harm some privacy.)
"Mom, god I can't really find the right words. I know that I was never the perfect son; to you either Frank. I...I just want you to know that you both did great with me and I could never have asked for anything more than you both gave me. Frank I know I could have done more to make you a part of my life and I never thanked you enough for all you did for me. I guess I lived in delusional world that you both would always be around. That we would have all the time we needed at some point. I just want you both to know that I love you. Always will. I...I wish Mattie had gotten a chance to get to know both of you. You both would love her. She's got a lot of spunk and rugged charm to her that really has become the light of my days." (He paused for a second reflecting on what he had said and what was about to say. Clenching his fists; steady at his side he spoke) "Mom I know you would tell me to just stay safe and let it go...but I can't. I'm going to find who did this and why, that much I can promise you both. It's just something I have to do." (He stopped once again to catch his breathe) "I...I'm never going to forget either of you. I love you both."
(Tears that he had been holding through the ceremony finally escaped his eyes. Sorrow, loss, loneliness and anger surged though his veins and he couldn't find the direction in which to walk in. Seeing him, Mac slowly walked up behind him and put her arms around him in support. He turned and took her in tightly.)
"What am I going to do Sarah?" (He asked as he wept in her arms, unsure of his own question)
"Whatever it is Harm, we'll figure it out...together."
(Arm and arm, leaning on each other for support they walked toward the car they had borrowed from the Burnette residence. Atop the cliffs that surrounded the graveyard, a man watched Harm and Mac. With a small video camera he took footage of them as they left. Tracking their movements was his job. He took out a cell phone and made a call.)
"Rabb and Mackenzie just left. Looks like they will be heading to the SDPD office. They should be their in about 30 minutes. Make sure you are in position."
(A familiar voice spoke on the other end)
"Good Mr. Yeoh. Ensure the target is eliminated before their arrival"
"Yes sir"
(He hung up the phone, turned and got into his car to leave.)
(As they drove together Mac was the first to break the silence.)
"Are you sure you want to do this know Harm?" (Mac asked not sure if this was a good time to move into an investigation.)
"It's the plan isn't it? We brought our gear and a change of clothes for a reason"
"I know Harm, I guess I just don't want you undertaking too much. I know how hard this day was on me and I can't even imagine how you are feeling. I'm just trying to look out for you that's all"
"I know and I appreciate it. Look I'm grieving Mac. I'll grieve for a long time to come." (He clenched his fists together again as the anger seethed through him) "But I can't sit around waiting for things to happen. I need to find out who did this and I need to do it now."
"As long as you're up to it."
"Let's just call it my therapy..."
1300 ZULU San Diego Police Department Southern County Division
(Harm and Mac entered the building and walked to the front desk. Not having returned to the Burnette residence since the funeral, both Harm and Mac opted to change into more comfortable clothing not knowing where their investigation was going to lead. Harm dressed in jeans and a long sleeve t- shirt and jacket. Mac wearing casual pants and a sweater. Both armed with their issued weapons should their fears turn into a reality, they both opted to be prepared.)
"Can I help you?" (Said a young woman sitting behind a desk)
"We're looking for Detective Robbins"
"Third office down the hall on the right."
"Thank you"
(They walked toward the office and entered. Unaware of the man behind him sitting in the lobby. With a newspaper in front of his face the man's eyes peered out from behind the sheets watching the duo intently. As Harm and Mac walked down the hall, the man took out a small hidden camera and trained it on them to capture their movements. Satisfied with his footage the man stood and turned and left the building. Another man in a black sedan was waiting outside for him.)
"Did you get what we needed?"
"Yes. Rabb and Mackenzie are following the path we'd thought they'd take."
"Good, the boss will be happy"
(The men drove off leaving an unaware Harm and Mac to their interview with Detective Robbins.)
1430 ZULU SDPD Office
(Harm and Mac walked out of the building both more frustrated than they appeared going in. Their interview had proven mostly useless as the police had very little idea what had happened to Harm's parents. )
That was a total waste of time Mac
"Not entirely. At least they were able to determine it was a professional hit and not a break in. They also know who we are and what our intentions are."
"I didn't exactly expect them to welcome our assistance."
"They are shorthanded Harm."
"So what do we know? It was a clean job, no fingerprints or signs of struggle other than the murder itself." (Bile started to rise in his throat as he spoke of this incident as any other investigation.) "We can assume the assailant or assailants used silenced weapons as no neighbors heard anything."
"Does the report list anyone seeing a car or other vehicle that was not normally placed in the community?" (Asked Mac)
"No why?" (Replied Harm)
"Well the report says it was storming that night and La Jolla is a pretty small area. At least the neighborhood they lived in. Someone would easily notice a car or vehicle out of the ordinary."
"What are you saying?" (Asked Harm)
"I think the murderer came in from the ocean. It would have been easy access to get in and out."
"So we're looking for someone with recent purchases of scuba gear and boat rental. That could be an entirely high number given the type of area we're in."
"Remember Harm storm like you said. How many people would be buying or renting in that time frame?"
"Maybe he rented beforehand. Long term planning for a clean job."
"All the easier then." (Answered Mac)
"So how do we get access to all the shop records in southern California without alerting the murderer?"
"I think I have that covered. Look Harm I know you're not going to like this but before we left I made a call."
"Let me guess to the Agency."
"I thought this might be bigger than us and I think we've established it is. I thought we may need the help to get to the bottom of this faster. After the dozens of times we've saved their asses I thought it was time to collect. (She paused a moment before continuing) Are you upset?"
"No. (He stated flatly) It...it was a good call."
"Ok then." (Somewhat surprised at his acceptance of Agency assistance.) "They've put us in touch with their station chief Jeff Tobin. He's got a place 15 minutes from Mira Mar. If we leave now we can be their in 20 minutes."
"Ok, let's roll."
SAME TIME Interstate 15 Freeway Inside The Sedan
(One of the two men who were tailing Harm and Mac takes out his cell phone to make a call as his partner drives 80 miles an hour to an unknown location).
(Ring Ring)
(A familiar voice picks up on the other end. It is the voice of the dark man.) "Yes Jacobs"
"Rabb and Mackenzie have left the police station."
"Can we assume their next step is to the station chief?"
"Yes sir. As planned. Yeoh has already communicated the elimination of the target twenty minutes ago."
"Good. Keep your distance and make sure Rabb and Mackenzie follow the path we've set for them."
"Is the second phase complete yet sir?"
"Holmes and Taylor should be apprehending the package as we speak. Keep surveillance on the two targets until further notice."
"Yes sir"
(The man we have now come to know as Jacobs hung up the phone and proceeded to ride with his partner southbound on the freeway.)
1730 Zulu North Of Union Station
"Mattie I'm beat. What do you say to ordering a pizza instead of going out?"
"Ok Jenn. Why don't you grab a shower while I finish sending this email to Harm?"
"Sounds like a plan...wait are you saying I stink or something."
(Mattie laughed) "Just go relax. I'll take care of the pizza."
(Jenn went to her room and undressed. She had to admit. Amidst a busy day at the office due to the shorthanded staff, relaxing sounded like a great idea. As she put her robe on she realized that she had forgotten the her bag in the living room and went to the couch to grab it. Before she could walk back to the bathroom she heard what sounded like the brisk pounding of heavy footsteps coming up the hallway and stop directly near her apartment's doorstep.)
What is that? (Jenn asked quietly)
"I don't know." (Said Mattie taking refuge behind Jenn.)
"Get back Mattie." (Said Jenn as she decided to check out the noise)
(Mattie moved back into the kitchen as Jenn crept closer to the door. Grabbing a baseball bat in her hands as she proceeded she got to the door. As she put her eye up to the peephole an explosion rang out. As the door imploded, Jenn was caught directly in the blast and flew crashing into the living room couch door atop of her.)
"Oh my God, Jenn!" (Screamed Mattie as she ducked behind the counter.)
(Two men swiftly entered the room. Dressed in black they moved like the wind. Toward their intended target they flew. Seeing Jenn down under the exploded door they proceeded past her and on to their objective.)
"Check the other room" (Said the man we have come to know as Holmes. Holmes himself moved toward Mattie grabbing her by the back of the neck pulling her toward him.)
"It's clear." (Said the other man coming from the bedroom.)
"Keep an eye on the hallway for police. The noise is bound to attract attention."
(Holmes grabbed some plastic zip ties from his waste band and tied Mattie's wrists together. Her struggle was useless against the much more powerful assailant.)
"Who the hell are you?" (Screamed Mattie)
"Friends of the family
"What the hell do you want?"
(Tying a gag around her mouth preventing her from making anymore sounds. Holmes then grabbed a syringe from his waste band and injected it into Mattie rendering her unconscious.)
"Your presence Ms. Grace..."
TO BE CONTINUED...
1115 ZULU Graveside Service La Jolla, CA
(The storm had ceased and the sun broke through the sky on a day that internally was clouded in sadness and anger of one Harmon Rabb Junior. As the pastor of his parents church read a verse from the bible, Harm sat silently, staring intently not on the figure speaking beside the duel grave sites, but on the ocean beyond the graveyard that seemed to carry and endless supply of serenity in a time that none seemed to exist in his world. Mac never left his side and wavered only to stop the strands of tears that trickled down her face. Partly because during the brief times she had met Harm's mother and stepfather she had grown to like and care for them very much, but mostly because of the pain that their loss was causing the man she loved. As the pastor finished his reading the guests at the graveside service slowly formed a line to pay their final respects. As they walked up the line Mac held Harms hand tightly, silently letting him knows that she was there for him. He squeezed back in acknowledgement. Such had become their "thing" over the past day and a half. Words seemed to mean less and less and actions told all they needed to know. As Mac found herself in front of the gravesite she felt compelled to follow suit of the other guests and say a final word to the parents she would never get to know completely. Most of the guests had departed as there would be no further memorial service. That was the way Trish and Frank wanted it and Harm and Mac had made the arrangements while in flight to San Diego.)
"Trish, Frank. Lord knows this is not the way I ever wanted to say this, but here we are and I can't change that. I guess that is what is killing me. The fact that your loss hurts Harm so much and I can't change anything to take away his pain. I just want you to know that I won't let him down. Not ever again. I so wish we had the time to get to know each other better. I know that you were both wonderful people just seeing the man Harm turned out to be. The truth is that your loss tells me something that I never want to realize. We don't have all the time in the world. I know you're both in a better place now than this crazy world, but know that you are loved and missed by us all. Rest in peace."
(Mac slowly wiped away the tears from her eyes. She stepped aside to give Harm some privacy.)
"Mom, god I can't really find the right words. I know that I was never the perfect son; to you either Frank. I...I just want you to know that you both did great with me and I could never have asked for anything more than you both gave me. Frank I know I could have done more to make you a part of my life and I never thanked you enough for all you did for me. I guess I lived in delusional world that you both would always be around. That we would have all the time we needed at some point. I just want you both to know that I love you. Always will. I...I wish Mattie had gotten a chance to get to know both of you. You both would love her. She's got a lot of spunk and rugged charm to her that really has become the light of my days." (He paused for a second reflecting on what he had said and what was about to say. Clenching his fists; steady at his side he spoke) "Mom I know you would tell me to just stay safe and let it go...but I can't. I'm going to find who did this and why, that much I can promise you both. It's just something I have to do." (He stopped once again to catch his breathe) "I...I'm never going to forget either of you. I love you both."
(Tears that he had been holding through the ceremony finally escaped his eyes. Sorrow, loss, loneliness and anger surged though his veins and he couldn't find the direction in which to walk in. Seeing him, Mac slowly walked up behind him and put her arms around him in support. He turned and took her in tightly.)
"What am I going to do Sarah?" (He asked as he wept in her arms, unsure of his own question)
"Whatever it is Harm, we'll figure it out...together."
(Arm and arm, leaning on each other for support they walked toward the car they had borrowed from the Burnette residence. Atop the cliffs that surrounded the graveyard, a man watched Harm and Mac. With a small video camera he took footage of them as they left. Tracking their movements was his job. He took out a cell phone and made a call.)
"Rabb and Mackenzie just left. Looks like they will be heading to the SDPD office. They should be their in about 30 minutes. Make sure you are in position."
(A familiar voice spoke on the other end)
"Good Mr. Yeoh. Ensure the target is eliminated before their arrival"
"Yes sir"
(He hung up the phone, turned and got into his car to leave.)
(As they drove together Mac was the first to break the silence.)
"Are you sure you want to do this know Harm?" (Mac asked not sure if this was a good time to move into an investigation.)
"It's the plan isn't it? We brought our gear and a change of clothes for a reason"
"I know Harm, I guess I just don't want you undertaking too much. I know how hard this day was on me and I can't even imagine how you are feeling. I'm just trying to look out for you that's all"
"I know and I appreciate it. Look I'm grieving Mac. I'll grieve for a long time to come." (He clenched his fists together again as the anger seethed through him) "But I can't sit around waiting for things to happen. I need to find out who did this and I need to do it now."
"As long as you're up to it."
"Let's just call it my therapy..."
1300 ZULU San Diego Police Department Southern County Division
(Harm and Mac entered the building and walked to the front desk. Not having returned to the Burnette residence since the funeral, both Harm and Mac opted to change into more comfortable clothing not knowing where their investigation was going to lead. Harm dressed in jeans and a long sleeve t- shirt and jacket. Mac wearing casual pants and a sweater. Both armed with their issued weapons should their fears turn into a reality, they both opted to be prepared.)
"Can I help you?" (Said a young woman sitting behind a desk)
"We're looking for Detective Robbins"
"Third office down the hall on the right."
"Thank you"
(They walked toward the office and entered. Unaware of the man behind him sitting in the lobby. With a newspaper in front of his face the man's eyes peered out from behind the sheets watching the duo intently. As Harm and Mac walked down the hall, the man took out a small hidden camera and trained it on them to capture their movements. Satisfied with his footage the man stood and turned and left the building. Another man in a black sedan was waiting outside for him.)
"Did you get what we needed?"
"Yes. Rabb and Mackenzie are following the path we'd thought they'd take."
"Good, the boss will be happy"
(The men drove off leaving an unaware Harm and Mac to their interview with Detective Robbins.)
1430 ZULU SDPD Office
(Harm and Mac walked out of the building both more frustrated than they appeared going in. Their interview had proven mostly useless as the police had very little idea what had happened to Harm's parents. )
That was a total waste of time Mac
"Not entirely. At least they were able to determine it was a professional hit and not a break in. They also know who we are and what our intentions are."
"I didn't exactly expect them to welcome our assistance."
"They are shorthanded Harm."
"So what do we know? It was a clean job, no fingerprints or signs of struggle other than the murder itself." (Bile started to rise in his throat as he spoke of this incident as any other investigation.) "We can assume the assailant or assailants used silenced weapons as no neighbors heard anything."
"Does the report list anyone seeing a car or other vehicle that was not normally placed in the community?" (Asked Mac)
"No why?" (Replied Harm)
"Well the report says it was storming that night and La Jolla is a pretty small area. At least the neighborhood they lived in. Someone would easily notice a car or vehicle out of the ordinary."
"What are you saying?" (Asked Harm)
"I think the murderer came in from the ocean. It would have been easy access to get in and out."
"So we're looking for someone with recent purchases of scuba gear and boat rental. That could be an entirely high number given the type of area we're in."
"Remember Harm storm like you said. How many people would be buying or renting in that time frame?"
"Maybe he rented beforehand. Long term planning for a clean job."
"All the easier then." (Answered Mac)
"So how do we get access to all the shop records in southern California without alerting the murderer?"
"I think I have that covered. Look Harm I know you're not going to like this but before we left I made a call."
"Let me guess to the Agency."
"I thought this might be bigger than us and I think we've established it is. I thought we may need the help to get to the bottom of this faster. After the dozens of times we've saved their asses I thought it was time to collect. (She paused a moment before continuing) Are you upset?"
"No. (He stated flatly) It...it was a good call."
"Ok then." (Somewhat surprised at his acceptance of Agency assistance.) "They've put us in touch with their station chief Jeff Tobin. He's got a place 15 minutes from Mira Mar. If we leave now we can be their in 20 minutes."
"Ok, let's roll."
SAME TIME Interstate 15 Freeway Inside The Sedan
(One of the two men who were tailing Harm and Mac takes out his cell phone to make a call as his partner drives 80 miles an hour to an unknown location).
(Ring Ring)
(A familiar voice picks up on the other end. It is the voice of the dark man.) "Yes Jacobs"
"Rabb and Mackenzie have left the police station."
"Can we assume their next step is to the station chief?"
"Yes sir. As planned. Yeoh has already communicated the elimination of the target twenty minutes ago."
"Good. Keep your distance and make sure Rabb and Mackenzie follow the path we've set for them."
"Is the second phase complete yet sir?"
"Holmes and Taylor should be apprehending the package as we speak. Keep surveillance on the two targets until further notice."
"Yes sir"
(The man we have now come to know as Jacobs hung up the phone and proceeded to ride with his partner southbound on the freeway.)
1730 Zulu North Of Union Station
"Mattie I'm beat. What do you say to ordering a pizza instead of going out?"
"Ok Jenn. Why don't you grab a shower while I finish sending this email to Harm?"
"Sounds like a plan...wait are you saying I stink or something."
(Mattie laughed) "Just go relax. I'll take care of the pizza."
(Jenn went to her room and undressed. She had to admit. Amidst a busy day at the office due to the shorthanded staff, relaxing sounded like a great idea. As she put her robe on she realized that she had forgotten the her bag in the living room and went to the couch to grab it. Before she could walk back to the bathroom she heard what sounded like the brisk pounding of heavy footsteps coming up the hallway and stop directly near her apartment's doorstep.)
What is that? (Jenn asked quietly)
"I don't know." (Said Mattie taking refuge behind Jenn.)
"Get back Mattie." (Said Jenn as she decided to check out the noise)
(Mattie moved back into the kitchen as Jenn crept closer to the door. Grabbing a baseball bat in her hands as she proceeded she got to the door. As she put her eye up to the peephole an explosion rang out. As the door imploded, Jenn was caught directly in the blast and flew crashing into the living room couch door atop of her.)
"Oh my God, Jenn!" (Screamed Mattie as she ducked behind the counter.)
(Two men swiftly entered the room. Dressed in black they moved like the wind. Toward their intended target they flew. Seeing Jenn down under the exploded door they proceeded past her and on to their objective.)
"Check the other room" (Said the man we have come to know as Holmes. Holmes himself moved toward Mattie grabbing her by the back of the neck pulling her toward him.)
"It's clear." (Said the other man coming from the bedroom.)
"Keep an eye on the hallway for police. The noise is bound to attract attention."
(Holmes grabbed some plastic zip ties from his waste band and tied Mattie's wrists together. Her struggle was useless against the much more powerful assailant.)
"Who the hell are you?" (Screamed Mattie)
"Friends of the family
"What the hell do you want?"
(Tying a gag around her mouth preventing her from making anymore sounds. Holmes then grabbed a syringe from his waste band and injected it into Mattie rendering her unconscious.)
"Your presence Ms. Grace..."
TO BE CONTINUED...