NOIR

Associations

By Steve Edward

Chapter Five

Morning arrived early at the Baldwin farm. On the weekends, Randy had the preference to do the chores of feeding what animals that did live there. There were three horses and a mule that Randy cared for and each one had been a rescue. Mireille had heard Randy's footsteps as he had passed by her room, and glancing at the clock on the nightstand, it read 5 AM.

Kirika soon followed, but entered Mireille's room to look in on her to see how she was doing, "Mireille are you better today?" as Kirika sat in a nearby chair. Mireille tested herself and though a little dizzy at first, found that she was able to stand.

Replying to Kirika, "Yes much better thank you, Kirika did you see where Randy was going?"

Kirika shook her head no, "I did not Mireille, but perhaps he is going to care for the horses?" Mireille smiled briefly, "He has horses? That is interesting. Would you help me dress please Kirika?"

Randy paused briefly at the head of the gravel drive and scanned the surroundings. Though he could not see or hear anything out of the ordinary, he felt there were watchers. Tabitha never stayed anywhere alone without some kind of protection. Perhaps her protectors were nearby after all; at least for them the weather was pleasant.

Continuing his stroll past the old barn, to the ultra-modern stables that housed the horses Randy mused over the next problem and that was retrieving the purported data disk. If it was indeed in Father George Skinner's bible then they would be able to get down to business with Santiago Jesus Martinez. If the disk was elsewhere then hopefully there was a clue within the Bible itself.

Entering the climate controlled stable, Randy headed for the stalls which held the animals, of which there were four. One stallion and two mares and a mule each named respectfully Toby, Lydia, Sarah and Cumquat.

Hearing the familiar footsteps all four stuck their heads out to see Randy and gave their respective greetings.

Mireille and Kirika had just come down the stairs when Tabitha greeted them both from above, "I see both of you are earlier risers as well. Mireille should you not still be in the wheel chair?" as Tabitha descended the stairs; Mireille replied, "I am doing fine. I do need to walk. It will help with the healing. Tabitha are you going to see where Randy is?"

Tabitha who was dressed casually in blue jeans with a pull over top replied, "I figured he was headed out to the stable. It is on the backside of the old barn. Let's join him."

All three walked through the darkness, toward the lighted stable. In the distance they could make out Randy manhandling hay bales and tossing them through a side door.

Cumquat the mule stood at a mere 8 hands and waited patiently for the hay and alfalfa to be placed in the feed bin in front of him. Toby the stallion overshadowed its smaller cousin standing at a massive 17 hands, he watched as Randy placed the final bundles into the bins and stepped forward to feed.

The two mares plodded forward and began to feed from their bins as Randy turned to walk back to stalls, the warning snort from Toby alerted Randy he had company, "Who ever you are stop where you are at and advance no further. The Stallion will charge."

Tabitha, Mireille and Kirika all headed the warning and stopped just outside the passageway leading to the stalls. Mireille eyed the stallion as it was feeding, tense and alert it would likely do as Randy had warned, the other three; two mares and a mule seemed content to feed though they were all alert as well.

Randy gave a reassuring pat to each rump as he passed, the flick of the tails acknowledging the gesture; "Good morning ladies, till I can introduce you to our residents please keep your distance from the horses and the mule. The Stallion has nasty kick and if he lands one on you it will send you into next week."

Joining Randy in the office of the stable, Randy set about making coffee. "Mireille, I am a bit surprised to see you up and about walking. Please do take it easy for the time being. You do not need to rush it."

Tabitha walked around the office and eyed the next room, which was outfitted for veterinary care and even included a mobile x-ray machine, "Well Randy you seem to have a well equipped stable."

Chuckling Randy replied, "Considering that it was cheaper to design and build an examination room than having to tote the horses to the vet, it was practical at the outset."

Kirika walked to the photographs adorning the walls and read their labels, "Mr. Baldwin those horses are rescues?" As Mireille found a photo album on the shelf and withdrew it, Randy replied "Yes. All of them are rescues. The Stallion and the auburn colored Mare were removed from a farm in West Georgia by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the ash grey Mare was removed by the same folks from a farm in South Georgia. The mule, I adopted after a tour company in South Carolina failed."

Mireille sat down with the photo album and opened its pages. Mixed in with the photographs were news paper articles, "Randy you do seem to have a soft heart for certain things" as Mireille looked up at Randy with a twinkle in her eyes.

Randy seemed to blush a bit, "I try to help when I can. The Stallion is named Toby, the auburn Mare is Sarah. Their last owners had gotten them for their kids and well things did not turn out as expected. They got into bad financial straights and turned both out to pasture."

Setting the coffee cups on the counter Randy continued, "Toby was supposed to be a small horse but someone did not tell him that. He ended up being 17 hands high. The record by the way is 18 hands and that was for a Belgian draft horse that weighed in at 3,100 pounds. Sarah was to be the companion for the sister of the brother who was supposed to be caring for Toby. Neither the brother nor sister would care for either animal nor even feed them. Fortunately someone took notice of their dire straights and called the local Sheriff's department who in turn called the Georgia Department of Agriculture."

Pouring the coffee Randy turned and handed the cups over to his guests, "When the Department of Agriculture people finally obtained the warrants to remove the animals, they were near skin and bones. Toby weighed a mere 1,200 pounds and Sarah was at 600 pounds. The family ended up forfeiting ownership of both and eventually were tried for cruelty to animals. After being treated in Atlanta, I received custody of both to continue their treatments and rehabilitation. Sarah is soon going to leave with Lydia and will become therapeutic riding horses for the disabled at a facility in Alpharetta, Georgia. Lydia the ash colored Mare by the way was rescued from South Georgia under similar circumstances too."

Mireille looking up from the photo album turned to see the massive head of Toby as he poked it through the double door, "It seems Toby has an interest in us." Randy taking in the sight grinned, "I guess it is time for personal introductions then."

Randy opened a nearby refrigerator and withdrew several apples and handed them out, "The best way to get to know Toby and to gain his trust is give him an offering. He loves those Washington Apples. Just watch out for his teeth, he can get over eager."

Kirika went first and Toby eyed the apple then Kirika then the apple again. Deciding that she was friendly, Toby accepted the gift and backed away from the door and allowed Randy to open the lower half and exit with Tabitha and Mireille in tow followed by Kirika.

Each took their turns as the stallion examined them closely before accepting the gifts of the apples.

The mule plodded past the group and headed out the door with Randy seeing what it was about to do, "Cumquat you had better not be thinking about it, turn right and go to the gate."

Mireille chuckled, "He seems well trained," as the mule followed Randy's instructions and turned right. Randy gave a soft smile, "If I was not here, he would have made a bee-line for the corn field and gorged himself. I do not need a constipated mule to contend with today." Strolling out to the gate, the remaining animals followed led by Toby who walked through the gate which Randy closed behind them.

Tabitha taking note of Toby's size, "What is in store for Toby?" as the huge stallion broke into a trot and headed to the middle of the pasture, Randy replied "He is skittish and has an attitude to match. The previous owners cared little for him after he got so big, so they tended to beat on him for shear kicks. It took me 5 months just to get him out of his shell and another 2 for him to let me ride him. Besides me, only Roberto, Angelina and his kids can get near him. The kids can get on him with the help of a step ladder or if Toby walks next to a pickup truck and the kids climb on from there. I have already decided that Toby will become a permanent resident here as will Cumquat who has become Toby's companion."

Turning back to the stable, Randy paused "Go ahead and help yourselves to breakfast. I have to muck out the stalls before I have breakfast. Phil will be along at 7 AM or so, then we will head out to the Skinners place."

The three women watched Randy walk off and they turned to head back to the farm house.

Completing the morning chores, Randy headed back to the farm house. Crossing the yard he heard a vehicle entering the gravel drive. Looking at it as it ascended the slight hill, Randy recognized it as Phil Nagel's personnel vehicle; a Chevy Tahoe. Waiting for Phil to park and join him Randy noted it was 6:30 AM.

Sheriff Phil Nagel exiting the Tahoe was dressed in civilian clothes sporting a three piece double breasted suit, "Good morning Randy," as Randy noted the spiffily dressed Sheriff, "You are a bit early Phil."

Phil smiled, "Well I though I would get some breakfast here."

Randy shaking his head in disbelief, "Do you always want to scrounge here?" as both men entered the farm house the smell of bacon, sausage and eggs wafted from the kitchen.

Phil smiled in reply, "Hey the cooking is always better somewhere else. Got to enjoy it when I can," as Randy paused at the sight of Tabitha standing at the stove scrambling the eggs, "Well that is a twist, Tabitha with you cooking of all things."

Phil taking in the sight of Tabitha Alexander, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency cooking; "Hey this is even better. I can try out her cooking too," as Tabitha turned from the stove, "Better watch what you say Mr. Nagel. I've got to pay somehow for my room and board," as she tried to crack a joke but failed.

Randy seeing the look in Tabitha's eyes headed off further conversation and conflict, "Phil, I thought Jill was still here? Did the students leave already?"

Phil taking a seat at the table after removing his coat, "Yes they left last night for the flight to Europe. I would have thought you would have remembered but considering the circumstances that particular item may have slipped your mind?"

Randy then remembered the sponsored school trip for last years sophomores who had excelled. Money had been tight, but after numerous fund raisers the new seniors were finally winging their way to France; to do a bit of on-hands history study. There had been concerns that the trip could not be made because of a lack of funds but an anonymous donor had come forward and handled the remaining amount of nearly $15,000 dollars and had paid the round trip air fare.

Phil grinned, "After all Randy, you did have a hand in that particular endeavor did you not?" as Mireille and Kirika already sitting at the table looked on somewhat humorously Kirika spoke, "So Mr. Baldwin you prefer the background?"

Phil accepting the cup of coffee from Tabitha nodded, "Randy prefers that and more, though some folks in the community do suspect he was responsible they respect his wishes." Randy smiled, "Well you are not that innocent either Phil, it was you that delivered the cashiers check and of course the plane tickets to the high school. The students could not help but take notice of you, since you drove into the school with lights and siren. Then to top it off you, blathered the news from the loud speaker and pissed Jill off as well since her classroom just so happened to be on the bottom floor next to the entrance."

Phil grinned, "Well it was worth getting beat on by Jill. She by the way thinks you are involved, but I have told her differently so keep it on the up and up between us; otherwise my wife will be trying to pound on you as well."

Mireille smiled, "So is Jill considered a threat?" as Randy nearly choked on his coffee replied "No she is not Mireille. Jill Nagel stands barely above four feet, seven inches in her bare feet, though she can be a terror in the classroom when it comes to discipline. She handles herself rather well and has put more than a few large country boys into their places," as Randy recalled the fight she had interrupted.

Sheriff Nagel hearing that his wife had been in the middle of the fight had raced to the school only to find Jill whacking both students over the head with her ever present ruler when one of them attempted to standup. Both had been brought down by Jill utilizing Karate.

Finishing his breakfast, Randy excused himself and headed upstairs to cleanup and change for the visit to the Skinner home.

Returning 20 minutes later, he heard the laughter as Phil told of how Jill had attacked Randy when he was inside the school late at night while doing a follow up on the security system that had been installed upon his recommendations. Jill had been inside the computer lab when Randy had come around a shelf unit surprising her and getting kicked to the floor.

Mireille taking in Randy's new style of dress, "Mr. Baldwin you are definitely a surprising fellow." The double worsted suit, of dark blue followed with a pale blue tie seemed to her out of place, "Mireille there are times that one does need to look their best," was Randy's retort.

Pausing a moment, Randy turned to Kirika "Ms. Yumura, there is a favor I need to ask of you. Would you please accompany me and Phil to the Skinner's?"

Kirika did not seem surprised at the request acknowledged that she would go with them and hurried up stairs to change as well.

Mireille with a questioning look, "Randy is there some specific reason for having Kirika join you?" as Randy unbuttoned his jacket and readjusted the Colt Commander.

"Extra insurance Mireille and a little better cover too. Besides, with Tabitha here her protectors are only a short distance away so they will keep watch over things here."

Kirika reappeared and was dressed in a knee length green dress, with a white frill at the neck line. Randy examined the dress and smiled recalling a distant memory.

Satisfied he headed to the key rack and removed a set of keys, not to the truck but his black Chrysler 300 parked in the detached garage, then turned to Kirika "You do have your weapon?" Kirika nodded that she did.

Grabbing a note pad on the table, "These are the cell phone numbers of mine and Phil's phones and the direct line to the county dispatch center. Give the code that I have written to them if there is trouble."

Tabitha pensively took in her lower lip, "Randy if you are expecting something take some help along." Shaking his head no, "Between the three of us we will be able to handle what comes our way. Just tell the guys outside to be alert till we get back, ok."

Santiago Martinez was still furious and fuming at the mistake by the former head of his Columbian Operations. How could he have been so stupid to have murdered two priests and for what? The rumor that one of the priests had obtained critical data concerning his operations that if released to the proper authorities would damning enough to send those involved to prison or worse death row.

Frustrating Martinez even more was that the priest who had been murdered had been a U.S. Citizen but also a locally born and raised native Georgian who had given his life to Christ and had been spreading the word of the gospel in a foreign land.

Having the assignation attempt take place in Georgia was cruel irony in his view, perhaps the attempt was carried out by locals made it even more problematic. Had someone discovered the truth about him?

Walking through the garage setback from the main house Kirika took note of the assortment of vehicles housed within. The 1928 Model T Ford sedan, next to it a 2005 Hummer H1 four door, its sky blue paint glistening under the lights. The Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor the vehicle also a 2005 its soft blue exterior paint gleaming as well.

Then there was the 2005 S600 Mercedes Benz, its black paint glistening, the V-12 twin turbo power plant waiting for the key to turn. Randy bypassed it for now.

The massive 2004 model Chevrolet Kodiak 4500 with pickup truck body, like its smaller brother the 2500HD it was powered by a Duramax diesel, next to it another sedan a 2004 Buick Century then finally the 2005 Chrysler 300 C sedan.

Entering Highway 52, Randy quickly accelerated then approaching Highway 365, he turned right and headed north, the Georgia country side began passing by at better than 90 miles per hour, Phil Nagel taking note of the speed, "Randy what's the rush? Is there something bothering you?"

Randy easing to the left lane to pass a slow car, "Yes there is; except for the additional show of manpower that Martinez carried with him on I-85 the other day there has been no indication that he has become aware of what may have transpired elsewhere. You said it yourself Phil, he has no direct control or contact with any of his illicit operations and depends on those running the operations to make the correct choices."

Glancing briefly at Kirika in the rearview mirror, "What if someone overstepped their decision making and decided that handling an ongoing situation would be preferable to reporting it, perhaps to correct a mistake made in which a certain priest was the recipient of that information. George would have never returned it nor would he have given it up voluntarily. Knowing that would have been the case, the manger of that operation resorts to murder to cover up the damaging leak."

Phil mused for a moment, "Well that would mean Martinez likely scared out of his wits would have sent instructions to all of his operations requesting all activities that have occurred in the last year. Who ever was running the Columbian operation dutifully sent in his report, like with a very small note stating that their operation had been involved in the deaths of two priests. Perhaps they used the word accidentally. Martinez I am sure would have investigated it immediately and found out otherwise. Now he is going to focus his attention to his own backyard here and not anywhere else. He will think that some locals may have hired the assassins to carry out the act of revenge."

Randy nodded to the comment, "Which will now present a peculiar problem. Martinez is going to suspect someone locally is now involved. His concern is with his own life of course but if persons within the community are involved he would likely want to know who they may be."

Phil reaching for his cell phone and flipping it open, "Of course he will put the word out that he is seeking information and to develop a really short list of all threats to him while still maintaining his public face of being a law abiding citizen of high stature. He's going to open the back door and come out to play. I guess its time to make some calls."

Kirika listened intently to the men's discussions. She would have begun the same process to develop a lead to who would have the capabilities to carry out a sophisticated operation, frowning she realized that she and Mireille had focused attention away from themselves while bringing it upon others. Randy's inadvertent involvement and now his friend Phil now put them into harms way which was not of their own volition.

Decelerating then turning off the highway the Chrysler followed a meandering two lane road that passed through the rural rolling country side of North Georgia. Less than a mile had passed when the Chrysler turned into a gravel drive that gently ascended through a small pine grove and opened into a grassy clearing with a wood framed house set among towering pines. Stopping the car in a parking area set with a backdrop of white picket fencing, Randy shut the engine off and perused the childhood home of Father George Skinner.

Exiting the car, Randy opened the door for Kirika who took in the surroundings, then the elderly man and woman sitting on the front open air porch. From these simple surroundings a boy was raised who would eventually become a Priest who would answer the call to toil in a foreign land ministering to the needs of a flock who had little money or wealth. Being spiritually strengthened by him helped many through the daily trials of life and they would in return provide the simple things of life unto itself.

Randy and Phil stood next to Kirika as they remembered the horrific day. It had been early Monday morning on a rainy April day when the news broke. Both Randy and Phil had made the trek to the Skinners to break the news of the death of their only son; it was like the sky was crying tears of sadness to both.

Glen and Ira Skinner had accepted their son's calling and had supported him in every way possible. Seeing his childhood friends walking up the front stoop and knocking on the screen door; Ira had slowly walked down the hall to let them in. Randy helped Ira to the sitting room while Phil went to the chicken house to get Glen.

Both Glen and Ira had taken the news hard, but that was to be expected. Phil put the word out on the county grapevine and within an hour the front of the house became a crowded parking lot.

By Friday afternoon, the remains of Father George Skinner had arrived at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. A brace of police escorts had guided the hearse through the afternoon traffic and eventually into Hall County itself. At the county line, sat 12 Sheriff's Units and as the hearse passed; they took positions around it escorting it to the funeral home in Gainesville.

A week to the day of his death, the funeral was held at a local Baptist church, the crowds so huge that speakers had to be rigged so the throngs could hear what was being said.

Both Randy and Phil served as pall bears, one on the right and the other on the left they carried their dear friend to his final resting place overlooking the countryside that had been his childhood playground, and one would swear vengeance on his grave.

As the trio stepped onto the porch, Ira took in the young woman with Randy and Phil the show of compassion was present yet in her eyes there was concern as well, "Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Nagel it is so nice to see you again. Please will you all take a seat and I will go get some coffee; then you can introduce me and Glen to your friend."

Randy tried to beg off the offer of coffee, but Ira had insisted. Phil followed her inside to help carry the serving tray.

During the brief period of waiting, Kirika took in the frontage of the farmhouse. It was nearly hidden from view by the stand of pines from the road. Had she not been with Randy, she would have easily missed the house. Anyone driving down the road and not paying attention to the surroundings could easily miss anything taking place. Kirika observed Randy doing the same as well. Her conclusion was the same as his; the Skinners must be taken somewhere else for safety.

Turning to the sound of the screen door, Randy stood up and held it for Ira and Phil to pass through and then helping Ira sit, Randy introduced Kirika, "Mr. and Mrs. Skinner, I like to introduce Ms. Kirika Yumura. She works for a security firm based in Japan, that I do consulting work for on occasion."

Glen and Ira accepted a hand shake and bow from Kirika who then returned to her seat.

Randy glancing at Phil cleared his throat, "Glen, Ira. The reason we are here is about George. Certain events have occurred that have shed light on the true story of his death. Ms. Yumura's who has an associate who unfortunately was not able to be with us at this time had been involved in an investigation that was involving money laundering and absconding with funds."

Taking a sip of the coffee, Randy continued to spin the cover story "The security firm's investigation led them to Columbia and it was by chance that during an interview that they were informed that George had been given sensitive information to turn over to authorities. It is my belief the reason why George and the other priest was killed and it was to prevent that information from being turned over.

"Kirika and her associate Ms. Mireille Bouquet then made contact with me earlier this week after determining that George may have still had the information on his person at time of death. However we know nothing out of the ordinary was found during the examination of his remains. But there are his personal effects that were returned to you after his death. We have all come to the conclusion that the information is likely somewhere in his belongings. I have come here to ask your permission to conduct a search of all his belongings. I will abide by your decision, but this will give us opportunity to bring those responsible to justice and for them to answer for their crimes."

Glen Skinner set his chair to rocking while in thought then turning to his wife of seventy years received a nod giving her permission, "Randy had it been anyone else I would have refused and called it hogwash. But you and Phil were his closest friends. I guess you did not know that George wrote to us about what happened to you in Columbia? Well he did and stressed that we not tell Phyllis or Maynard, but I had inkling Maynard did know about your true work."

Ira got up and walked slowly to the screen door, "Please will you all come to the sitting room; it is where we have put his possessions."

Kirika stood and then assisted Mr. Skinner from his chair and helped support Glen to the sitting room.

Ira walking to the fire place mantel stopped before it and gazed at the painting of the Crucifixion of Jesus placed over the fire place itself. Painted by George during his high school years it had traveled with him where ever he had gone and had hung in the many small studies that he had occupied over the years. Below it rested, George's bible but instead of reaching for the Bible; Ira placed her hand on the battered frame then softly caressing it; Ira then removed it from its position on the wall.

Turning to Phil who was standing beside her she handed him the frame. "What you seek is behind the painting and not within his Bible." Randy blinked a moment in surprise, "Ira you knew about the disk?"

Shaking her head sadly, "Yes, Randy. Both I and Glen knew of the disk. George had written a letter to us, that there would be computer disk contained behind the painting, that he said that in the event of his death, that the painting would be shipped home to us. He asked that we not reveal it to anyone until the appropriate time had passed and so it seems it has."

Kirika taking in the shocked appearances of both men spoke, "It is perhaps that Father Skinner knew he had only a short period of time remaining and decided on the course of action. He would also know that if this information came to light about the data disk, then he would entrust it to his closest friends through his parents; because he knows that you will care for and ensure their safety as well."

Phil turned to both Randy and Kirika, "We have got to get them out of here now. Martinez is going to do the math if he had not already done so and will send some of his goons here to try to find it."

Randy nodded, "Well let them send them, because neither of them will be here because I will be waiting for them in the Skinner's place. Kirika make the call to Mireille tell her to prepare for some activity. Phil please make arrangements for transportation of the Skinner's as they are leaving. Ira, Glen. I am sorry but I must insist."

Ira nodded sadly, "We understand Randy and will abide with your request, but please do be careful and do not take any greater risks than you have to."

Randy smiled and replied, "I have taken a number of risks already. This particular risk is one that I will gladly accept."

They each had to prepare for their parts in what was likely to be played out. Phil could not participate directly, his role of being a bystander to the events would have to play out in the aftermath if there was one, which Randy had no doubt it would not be pleasant.

Getting the Skinner's to a safe haven was paramount and that was easily accomplished with Tabitha's help and a little guidance from Phil. In the aftermath the Skinner's would have to play a convincing role as well.

Returning to the Baldwin farm, Randy and Phil went their separate ways, with just 7 hours before nightfall there would little time to setup a welcoming committee.

Tabitha had carefully removed the backing from the painting and found the data disk within a padded and protected sleeve while Randy changed to more suitable clothing as did Mireille and Kirika.

The group briefly viewed the data contained, Randy himself impressed with the sophisticated methods employed by Martinez's money guru's burned extra copies of the disk and then at Tabitha's request uploaded the data files to a secure server in Langley, Virginia for her own experts to begin forensic examinations. A man nicknamed "The Nibbler" would head the team of experts.

The group sitting in the study made the final plans with Randy bringing up an aerial view of the Skinner Farm onto the large plasma screen television courtesy of the Central Intelligence Agency taken just an hour before, "The Skinner's stopped tending their farm land over 10 years ago. I seriously doubt that anyone Martinez may send in will know the lay of the land. There is a Forest Service access road that runs parallel to the property line with its entrance off the main road that is about three miles from the Skinner farmhouse. There are trees down along the road but they are low enough for my Hummer to climb over."

Tabitha frowned, "Suppose they chose the same route to come to the farmhouse? What then?" Randy smiled, "Because they won't go that way. They will want to make this look like a random act of crime, so they will come from the front. Just to make sure, Kirika will setup a watch point here at the edge of the small trail that comes from the Forest Service road to the back of the farmhouse. If they do decide to come through that way they will have to use lights and we will have plenty of warning. As for Mireille and me, we will play the part of the Skinners, husband and wife with nary a worry about the world."

Mireille blushed a bit, "Up close we do not even look like them and at a distance we would look rather young." Randy chuckled, "Not after I finished with our makeovers, even Kirika will not even recognize us."

Mireille began to ponder just what Randy had up his sleeve. She would soon find out.

To Be Continued...