PART VI
Making better time than they thought, Harm and Mac arrived at the house of the CIA station chief. Harm parked the convertible they had borrowed from the Burnette residence on the street near the house. Exiting the car Mac was first to notice the door to the house was ajar.
"Harm do you see that?"
"Yup" He said drawing his issued pistol from his holster. Mac did the same and they both proceeded with caution. Creeping up to the door with Mac on the right and Harm on the left of it, Mac ducked low. She poked her head slowly around the corner to look for assailants. As she shook her head letting Harm know there was no one there, he counted to three. Such as their standard procedure, Harm swung around the corner gun aimed high, with Mac swinging around to the right displaying the same reaction.
"Clear" Said Harm
"Same here."
They proceeded throughout the small home until they found what they feared they would. There before them lying on the ground outside on the back deck was the CIA station chief. Face down a pool of blood surrounded his body. Harm immediately noticed the hole in the back of his head.
"An execution" Mac asked
"It would seem so"
Harm took out his cell phone and dialed an all too familiar phone number.
"Who are you calling Harm?" Asked Mac
"The Agency. They need to know they have a man down. Yes get me Director Kershaw. Tell him it's Harmon Rabb and he has a code red emergency. Thank you"
A moment passes and Kershaw picks up the phone.
"Kershaw here Commander"
"Director Colonel Mackenzie and I have just found your Southern, California station chief with a bullet in the back of his skull"
"Jesus Christ. They've gotten that much of a jump on us?" "
"Sir who are these people?"
"That's classified Rabb. You know the rules."
"With all due respect, this murder may have crossed paths with a murder I'm investigating."
"I know Harm. I'm sorry about your parents."
"Director not to make waves but you know me and how I work. Help me out here and I'll do the same for you."
"And if I don't"
"I think you know the answer to that question"
Kershaw thinks for a moment knowing Harm wasn't giving in no matter what.
"Ok Rabb you and Colonel Mackenzie are in the loop as of now. I have already contacted Agent Webb. His plane is en route to Mira Mar air base."
"Webb?"
"It's his case Rabb. You wanted in. Beggars can't be choosy."
"Ok we'll rendezvous with him in a couple of hours."
"I'll speak to you then and send a cleanup unit to take care of the mess over there"
"Ok Rabb out."
Overhearing Harm's conversation with Kershaw, Mac went to check other parts of the house for clues. Near the front door she noticed the window next to the lock by the door had a circular hole in it. It became obvious to her that the killer or killers cut a hole and opened the door from the outside entering and having the advantage of surprise. As she looked closer she noticed a black sedan parked a couple of houses down from the one they were in.
"Where have I seen that car before?" She thought "Harm come here and look at this."
"What did you find Mac?"
"How they got in" As she showed him the cut in the glass.
"But look outside. Does that car a few houses down look familiar."
"Not really"
"I swear I saw it today, but I can't figure out where."
"Well aside from the service (still unable to think of it as a funeral) we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then went to the police station then here. That's it."
"Wait...the police station. As we were walking out and you were breaking down what we found out. I saw that car parked in the structure across the street."
"Are you sure Mac, I mean it is a popular car."
"Yeah, look at the left tale light. Above it is a deep gash about 5 inches long. I remember seeing that in the same car before and wondering what had happened to it. It's the same car."
"Well there not Company boys. Kershaw and his team just found out."
"Do you think they have something to do with the killer?"
"Only one way to find out."
"Do you want to wait for the police."
"No they'll take off as soon as the company car comes around the corner. You and I will have to take them." Drawing his pistol from the back of his pants and checking the rounds in his clip.
"Ok. You got a plan as I don't think charging out the front door guns blazing is going to work." As she drew her pistol out from her belt checking her ammo as well.
"Yeah. You stay here and give me 3 minutes to the nose. I'll walk out go down the other direction around the corner and cross the street where they can't see me. I'll jump through the other backyards across the street and come up behind them. As soon as you hit 3 minutes, walk on this side of the street in their direction. That will distract them. When I make my move to take them you cover me."
"How do you know I'll distract them by strolling down the street?"
Harm looked at her and smiled "It would distract me that's for sure"
Mac blushed "Sounds good."
"Usually you argue with my plans"
"Some things change Harm. Move your six; you got three minutes in counting."
"Be careful Mac."
"You to squid"
Harm walked out the door and headed right of the house. 30 seconds later he was around the corner out of sight of the sedan. He crossed the street and found a fence to jump over. As another minute passed he repeatedly jumped fences of the backyards of three homes traveling parallel toward the sedan. Seeing the sedan from the last backyard he proceeded up the side of the house gun drawn and ready to be used. He hoped he had Macs timing down. 3 minutes. He counted off another 60 seconds as he allowed Mac enough time to catch up. As he predicted the men in the sedan had there eyes on Mac watching her. As soon as Harm saw they were distracted he flew through the side door of the fenced home gun aimed at the head of the passenger of the car.
"Freeze!" Harm shouted as Mac drew her gun keeping it level at the head of the driver. Seeing that they were found out the men in the car made their move. The driver floored the gas peddle and flew down the street. Both Harm and Mac pulled the triggers of their guns simultaneously. As three rounds left Harms gun he noticed that that the bullets were not penetrating the car. Subsequently Mac noticed the same thing as she emptied half a magazine into the car with no different results.
"Damn" Said Harm "The car's bullet proof"
"Who the hell is funding these bastards?" Yelled Mac
"I'm going to find out right now." Said Harm as he raced for their car.
Mac ran behind him and jumped behind the driver seat before Harm could get it. "I'm driving"
"No argument from me Marine." He said letting her take the lead.
"You just get ready to shoot once we catch up." She stated
"You got it partner" Harm replied
As Mac turned the wheel and peeled out of the parking space they had made from themselves.
"Think you can catch them Marine?"
"Do squids like water?!"
"Ok then hit it!"
Mac raced down in the direction of the sedan while Harm dialed Kershaw on his cell phone again.
"Director we are in pursuit of the possible assassin as we speak."
"How many Rabb?"
"Two men in one black Lincoln sedan license plate Bravo Mike Charlie, Delta 857. The car is armor plated"
"Shit. I didn't think they got that much of it."
"Would you care to explain that sir?"
"Not now Rabb just get them!"
"With all due respect director how the hell am I supposed to do that? I didn't bring an RPG launcher with me!"
"Use your head and think of something! I've got police vehicles coming to assist you. Where are you right now?"
"Getting on the I-15 north."
"Ok force them toward Mira Mar and I'll have a seal team that's out on maneuvers intercept when you get to the general area."
Kershaw hung up the phone as Harm did the same.
"How we doing Marine?" Asked Harm taking notice of the cars they were passing by at blinding speed.
"Look ahead." Said Mac motioning toward the sedan they were chasing.
"Oh god! Road construction ahead. Watch it Mac!" As Harm yelled the man in the passenger seat in the sedan ahead of them took out a shotgun and let off a couple of rounds into the half completed freeway overpass ahead of them. As pieces of the construction began to fall toward them, Mac maneuvered the car sharply. Zigzagging on the freeway at 95 miles an hour, she managed to avoid direct contact with the falling debris. One piece of concrete came tumbling downward as Harm yelled Mac pulled a hard right almost taking the car off of the road.
"Watch it Mac! Some of us are a little closer to the falling pieces than others."
"Do you always wine in the middle of a chase!?" She yelled
"Do you always drive like a maniac?" He retorted
"I thought you said catch them."
"I did, but don't kill me in the process!"
"Just shut up and get ready to shoot. I'll do my thing"
She hit the gas peddle harder bringing her passed civilian cars. Harm opened the window of the car and readied himself.
"Closer Marine if this is going to work."
"How close are we to Mira Mar Harm?"
"We're five minutes south of the base and the seal team is coming in eastbound from those fields ahead of us on the right. Just get them off the road and the seals will do the intercept."
Mac pulled closer to the sedan keeping an empty lane in between the two cars. Pulling up parallel to the sedan she shouted.
"Now Harm"
Harm put his gun out the side of the convertible. He unloaded his clip into the left side wheels of the Lincoln forcing the sedan the loose control at 95 miles an hour. Mac pulled over to the left to avoid hitting the Lincoln.
"Damn it they're still moving!" Shouted Harm fearing the sedan's loss of control wouldn't stop it completely. Mac knowing what he was thinking made a quick decision.
"Get your seatbelt on Harm."
"Why...Wait your not doing what I think you are? Mac...Mac...oh shit!"
At that moment Mac pulled as hard as she could on the steering wheel to the right impaling the Chryslers front right end into the teetering side of the Lincoln sedan. Upon impact Mac spun the Chrysler to the side of the freeway as the Lincoln flipped inward to the left piling itself on the right lane of the freeway.
"My god. Who the hell taught you to do that Marine?"
"Saw it in another action movie at 2am one night."
"I'll never make fun of your choice in movies again." He stated
Both Harm and Mac got out of the car guns drawn to meet the assailants. What they didn't expect is that the assailants were already out of the car with there own guns drawn and firing the automatic weapons in Harm and Mac's directions.
"Mac! Duck!"
Harm jumped in Macs direction pulling her downward as bullets zipped by her head. Rolling to the left behind the Chrysler once she hit the pavement Mac rebounded to her side grabbing her gun from her belt as she moved. Whipping it ahead of her she fired at the assailants hitting one of the men in the leg.
"Ah" Screamed the man we have come to know as Jacobs. A bullet ripped through his thy causing him to fall to one knee. His companion grabbed him pulling him toward the field, both men moving as quickly as they could given their injuries. Harm rolling toward the right of the Chrysler got to his feet in quick pursuit of the duo. Seeing him coming, Jacobs grabbed his AK-47 and fired in Harms direction. Seeing only one option, Harm jumped over the flipped sedan for cover as the bullets impaled themselves into the bullet proof car. Mac shot up from her defensive spot and fired at the assailants again, but they had disappeared into the fields near Mira Mar.
"God damn it we had them" She shouted in anger not noticing Harm digging through the sedan. She got her cell phone and dialed Kershaw
"Colonel is that you?"
"Yes Director. The assailants are wounded but disappeared into the fields adjacent to Mira Mar."
"If the GPS on your phone is accurate then their in training territory on a military base Colonel. The seals will intercept them."
"How long until their arrival Director?"
"15 minutes. Await their arrival" He responded before ending the call.
"Harm returned form the sedan with a shotgun and pack of shells that he found in the back seat."
"What did Kershaw say Mac?"
"The seals will intercept them but they are 15 minutes out."
"Shit. They'll never get to this trail in time. Those two most likely have a contingency plan that will get them out of this. The seals won't even be able to follow their blood trail until they get here."
"What are you thinking Harm?"
"We can't let them get away. They have the answers that Kershaw wants and more importantly I'm sure their connected to who killed my parents."
Mac seeing the determination in his eyes knew there was no stopping him...no being rational. Harm waited one moment and then spoke to Mac.
"Mac, wait here for reinforcements then come after me."
"And just what the hell are you going to do?"
Harm loaded the shotgun and cocked it chambering the shell "I'm going hunting..."
TO BE CONTINUED...
Making better time than they thought, Harm and Mac arrived at the house of the CIA station chief. Harm parked the convertible they had borrowed from the Burnette residence on the street near the house. Exiting the car Mac was first to notice the door to the house was ajar.
"Harm do you see that?"
"Yup" He said drawing his issued pistol from his holster. Mac did the same and they both proceeded with caution. Creeping up to the door with Mac on the right and Harm on the left of it, Mac ducked low. She poked her head slowly around the corner to look for assailants. As she shook her head letting Harm know there was no one there, he counted to three. Such as their standard procedure, Harm swung around the corner gun aimed high, with Mac swinging around to the right displaying the same reaction.
"Clear" Said Harm
"Same here."
They proceeded throughout the small home until they found what they feared they would. There before them lying on the ground outside on the back deck was the CIA station chief. Face down a pool of blood surrounded his body. Harm immediately noticed the hole in the back of his head.
"An execution" Mac asked
"It would seem so"
Harm took out his cell phone and dialed an all too familiar phone number.
"Who are you calling Harm?" Asked Mac
"The Agency. They need to know they have a man down. Yes get me Director Kershaw. Tell him it's Harmon Rabb and he has a code red emergency. Thank you"
A moment passes and Kershaw picks up the phone.
"Kershaw here Commander"
"Director Colonel Mackenzie and I have just found your Southern, California station chief with a bullet in the back of his skull"
"Jesus Christ. They've gotten that much of a jump on us?" "
"Sir who are these people?"
"That's classified Rabb. You know the rules."
"With all due respect, this murder may have crossed paths with a murder I'm investigating."
"I know Harm. I'm sorry about your parents."
"Director not to make waves but you know me and how I work. Help me out here and I'll do the same for you."
"And if I don't"
"I think you know the answer to that question"
Kershaw thinks for a moment knowing Harm wasn't giving in no matter what.
"Ok Rabb you and Colonel Mackenzie are in the loop as of now. I have already contacted Agent Webb. His plane is en route to Mira Mar air base."
"Webb?"
"It's his case Rabb. You wanted in. Beggars can't be choosy."
"Ok we'll rendezvous with him in a couple of hours."
"I'll speak to you then and send a cleanup unit to take care of the mess over there"
"Ok Rabb out."
Overhearing Harm's conversation with Kershaw, Mac went to check other parts of the house for clues. Near the front door she noticed the window next to the lock by the door had a circular hole in it. It became obvious to her that the killer or killers cut a hole and opened the door from the outside entering and having the advantage of surprise. As she looked closer she noticed a black sedan parked a couple of houses down from the one they were in.
"Where have I seen that car before?" She thought "Harm come here and look at this."
"What did you find Mac?"
"How they got in" As she showed him the cut in the glass.
"But look outside. Does that car a few houses down look familiar."
"Not really"
"I swear I saw it today, but I can't figure out where."
"Well aside from the service (still unable to think of it as a funeral) we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then went to the police station then here. That's it."
"Wait...the police station. As we were walking out and you were breaking down what we found out. I saw that car parked in the structure across the street."
"Are you sure Mac, I mean it is a popular car."
"Yeah, look at the left tale light. Above it is a deep gash about 5 inches long. I remember seeing that in the same car before and wondering what had happened to it. It's the same car."
"Well there not Company boys. Kershaw and his team just found out."
"Do you think they have something to do with the killer?"
"Only one way to find out."
"Do you want to wait for the police."
"No they'll take off as soon as the company car comes around the corner. You and I will have to take them." Drawing his pistol from the back of his pants and checking the rounds in his clip.
"Ok. You got a plan as I don't think charging out the front door guns blazing is going to work." As she drew her pistol out from her belt checking her ammo as well.
"Yeah. You stay here and give me 3 minutes to the nose. I'll walk out go down the other direction around the corner and cross the street where they can't see me. I'll jump through the other backyards across the street and come up behind them. As soon as you hit 3 minutes, walk on this side of the street in their direction. That will distract them. When I make my move to take them you cover me."
"How do you know I'll distract them by strolling down the street?"
Harm looked at her and smiled "It would distract me that's for sure"
Mac blushed "Sounds good."
"Usually you argue with my plans"
"Some things change Harm. Move your six; you got three minutes in counting."
"Be careful Mac."
"You to squid"
Harm walked out the door and headed right of the house. 30 seconds later he was around the corner out of sight of the sedan. He crossed the street and found a fence to jump over. As another minute passed he repeatedly jumped fences of the backyards of three homes traveling parallel toward the sedan. Seeing the sedan from the last backyard he proceeded up the side of the house gun drawn and ready to be used. He hoped he had Macs timing down. 3 minutes. He counted off another 60 seconds as he allowed Mac enough time to catch up. As he predicted the men in the sedan had there eyes on Mac watching her. As soon as Harm saw they were distracted he flew through the side door of the fenced home gun aimed at the head of the passenger of the car.
"Freeze!" Harm shouted as Mac drew her gun keeping it level at the head of the driver. Seeing that they were found out the men in the car made their move. The driver floored the gas peddle and flew down the street. Both Harm and Mac pulled the triggers of their guns simultaneously. As three rounds left Harms gun he noticed that that the bullets were not penetrating the car. Subsequently Mac noticed the same thing as she emptied half a magazine into the car with no different results.
"Damn" Said Harm "The car's bullet proof"
"Who the hell is funding these bastards?" Yelled Mac
"I'm going to find out right now." Said Harm as he raced for their car.
Mac ran behind him and jumped behind the driver seat before Harm could get it. "I'm driving"
"No argument from me Marine." He said letting her take the lead.
"You just get ready to shoot once we catch up." She stated
"You got it partner" Harm replied
As Mac turned the wheel and peeled out of the parking space they had made from themselves.
"Think you can catch them Marine?"
"Do squids like water?!"
"Ok then hit it!"
Mac raced down in the direction of the sedan while Harm dialed Kershaw on his cell phone again.
"Director we are in pursuit of the possible assassin as we speak."
"How many Rabb?"
"Two men in one black Lincoln sedan license plate Bravo Mike Charlie, Delta 857. The car is armor plated"
"Shit. I didn't think they got that much of it."
"Would you care to explain that sir?"
"Not now Rabb just get them!"
"With all due respect director how the hell am I supposed to do that? I didn't bring an RPG launcher with me!"
"Use your head and think of something! I've got police vehicles coming to assist you. Where are you right now?"
"Getting on the I-15 north."
"Ok force them toward Mira Mar and I'll have a seal team that's out on maneuvers intercept when you get to the general area."
Kershaw hung up the phone as Harm did the same.
"How we doing Marine?" Asked Harm taking notice of the cars they were passing by at blinding speed.
"Look ahead." Said Mac motioning toward the sedan they were chasing.
"Oh god! Road construction ahead. Watch it Mac!" As Harm yelled the man in the passenger seat in the sedan ahead of them took out a shotgun and let off a couple of rounds into the half completed freeway overpass ahead of them. As pieces of the construction began to fall toward them, Mac maneuvered the car sharply. Zigzagging on the freeway at 95 miles an hour, she managed to avoid direct contact with the falling debris. One piece of concrete came tumbling downward as Harm yelled Mac pulled a hard right almost taking the car off of the road.
"Watch it Mac! Some of us are a little closer to the falling pieces than others."
"Do you always wine in the middle of a chase!?" She yelled
"Do you always drive like a maniac?" He retorted
"I thought you said catch them."
"I did, but don't kill me in the process!"
"Just shut up and get ready to shoot. I'll do my thing"
She hit the gas peddle harder bringing her passed civilian cars. Harm opened the window of the car and readied himself.
"Closer Marine if this is going to work."
"How close are we to Mira Mar Harm?"
"We're five minutes south of the base and the seal team is coming in eastbound from those fields ahead of us on the right. Just get them off the road and the seals will do the intercept."
Mac pulled closer to the sedan keeping an empty lane in between the two cars. Pulling up parallel to the sedan she shouted.
"Now Harm"
Harm put his gun out the side of the convertible. He unloaded his clip into the left side wheels of the Lincoln forcing the sedan the loose control at 95 miles an hour. Mac pulled over to the left to avoid hitting the Lincoln.
"Damn it they're still moving!" Shouted Harm fearing the sedan's loss of control wouldn't stop it completely. Mac knowing what he was thinking made a quick decision.
"Get your seatbelt on Harm."
"Why...Wait your not doing what I think you are? Mac...Mac...oh shit!"
At that moment Mac pulled as hard as she could on the steering wheel to the right impaling the Chryslers front right end into the teetering side of the Lincoln sedan. Upon impact Mac spun the Chrysler to the side of the freeway as the Lincoln flipped inward to the left piling itself on the right lane of the freeway.
"My god. Who the hell taught you to do that Marine?"
"Saw it in another action movie at 2am one night."
"I'll never make fun of your choice in movies again." He stated
Both Harm and Mac got out of the car guns drawn to meet the assailants. What they didn't expect is that the assailants were already out of the car with there own guns drawn and firing the automatic weapons in Harm and Mac's directions.
"Mac! Duck!"
Harm jumped in Macs direction pulling her downward as bullets zipped by her head. Rolling to the left behind the Chrysler once she hit the pavement Mac rebounded to her side grabbing her gun from her belt as she moved. Whipping it ahead of her she fired at the assailants hitting one of the men in the leg.
"Ah" Screamed the man we have come to know as Jacobs. A bullet ripped through his thy causing him to fall to one knee. His companion grabbed him pulling him toward the field, both men moving as quickly as they could given their injuries. Harm rolling toward the right of the Chrysler got to his feet in quick pursuit of the duo. Seeing him coming, Jacobs grabbed his AK-47 and fired in Harms direction. Seeing only one option, Harm jumped over the flipped sedan for cover as the bullets impaled themselves into the bullet proof car. Mac shot up from her defensive spot and fired at the assailants again, but they had disappeared into the fields near Mira Mar.
"God damn it we had them" She shouted in anger not noticing Harm digging through the sedan. She got her cell phone and dialed Kershaw
"Colonel is that you?"
"Yes Director. The assailants are wounded but disappeared into the fields adjacent to Mira Mar."
"If the GPS on your phone is accurate then their in training territory on a military base Colonel. The seals will intercept them."
"How long until their arrival Director?"
"15 minutes. Await their arrival" He responded before ending the call.
"Harm returned form the sedan with a shotgun and pack of shells that he found in the back seat."
"What did Kershaw say Mac?"
"The seals will intercept them but they are 15 minutes out."
"Shit. They'll never get to this trail in time. Those two most likely have a contingency plan that will get them out of this. The seals won't even be able to follow their blood trail until they get here."
"What are you thinking Harm?"
"We can't let them get away. They have the answers that Kershaw wants and more importantly I'm sure their connected to who killed my parents."
Mac seeing the determination in his eyes knew there was no stopping him...no being rational. Harm waited one moment and then spoke to Mac.
"Mac, wait here for reinforcements then come after me."
"And just what the hell are you going to do?"
Harm loaded the shotgun and cocked it chambering the shell "I'm going hunting..."
TO BE CONTINUED...