NOIR

Associations

By Steve Edward

Chapter Six

The Forest Service road was more of a trail than a road. Randy himself had nearly missed the entrance from the side road that split off the country road that the Skinner's lived on.

Driving the road was more difficult than anticipated because several of the trees that were lying across the road were even too big for the Hummer to cross, so Randy had taken a detour through the woodlands themselves. Anybody trying this same trail at night would not get very far.

Hiding the Hummer and setting up the trap, the trio split up briefly then rejoined inside the farm house after scouting the grounds. The Skinner's lived the simple life of an elderly couple. There was no cable television nor was there a satellite system installed. The Skinner's depended on the over-the-air broadcasts of television and radio. Glen Skinner's favorite pastime was listening to National Public Radio.

Randy had followed the service lines for the power and telephone from the service pole to the house. If Martinez did send his goons, they would want to take out the phone service to prevent a 911 call from being placed. Locating the connection point, Randy was satisfied it was still in order. When they struck, it would be the first thing that would be taken out.

Kirika took position that place her with a visual of the most probable point of approach to the phone service and power connection points. Randy transformed himself and Mireille into the Skinner's. With a little help from Darla Francis who had provided the wardrobe for Mireille the transformation was completed.

Putting in a brief appearance outside so Kirika could take in the new looks, Kirika reported by secure radio that both did indeed look rather frail. Randy who took it as a compliment chuckled in reply, "Why thank you sweetie," as he turned and slowly walked back through the kitchen it was 7:45 PM.

Sheriff Phil Nagel was in Gainesville coordinating his side of the operation when Tabitha relayed that the trap was set. He could not risk putting any undercover units close by, but did send an experienced road deputy who had concealed his marked Ford Expedition in the wood line just off of Highway 365 to monitor the traffic on the country road. Communicating only by data terminal and no voice traffic the deputy had been briefed not to rush in if he started hearing gunfire but to only report it by data terminal. Lying on the seat next to him was a "script" that he would read over the radio if and when things started to happen.

At a little before 9 PM the grey Honda Accord turned off Highway 365 and headed down the country road. The deputy catching a glimpse of the tag ran the vehicle and got a NCIC hit which advised it was a stolen vehicle. Advising by data terminal that a vehicle reported stolen was headed towards the Skinner farm, Sheriff Phil Skinner replied by data terminal not to follow but to continue monitoring. Sheriff Nagel then called Tabitha who relayed the information to the trio at the farm.

Randy had turned down the radio, and listened intently. Sure enough the car was slowly coming up the drive. Kirika advised the lights were off. Reaching for the telephone, Randy dialed 911 and then waiting for it to answer held an Olympus digital recording device next to the mouth piece.

In the 911 Dispatch Center, the senior supervisor took the call and listened to Glen Skinner's voice reporting a suspicious vehicle entering his property. The call already scripted played out, with the supervisor nodding to Sheriff Nagel; he ordered the call dispatched. The deputy sitting at Highway 365 took the call and reading from the prepared script acknowledged it; but yet did not start his vehicle. Several more events would have to happen before he drove down the country road.

Martinez's Head of Security frowned at the radio call, somehow they had been seen. He had tried to call them back but they were not answering their cell phone and disturbed at the turn of events he wondered why.

There had been four men in the Honda when it drove up. The porch light had dimly illuminated them as they advanced towards the house before splitting up. Kirika watched as one of them approached the service drop for the phone line on the side of the house.

Kirika stood up and came from behind, the man trying to fit the wire cutters over the phone line felt him being grabbed and then nothing. Tensing a moment to ensure her activity had not been noticed; Kirika sprinted to the opposite side of the house leaving the dead man with his neck broken where he lay.

The first man to barge into the house took in the elderly man sitting on the sofa looking surprised and frightened then in the hallway an elderly woman trying to turn around and head for the kitchen in fright. Yelling in Spanish for her to stop, as he followed with the other two tailing behind him; he then heard the unmistakable sound of a shotgun round being chambered.

Randy had already stood and brought the shotgun to bear, when the startled men turned to face him. Mireille dropped her persona as well and with her silenced Walther P-99 took aim and fired in succession killing the first two outright and Randy followed with the shotgun. It was as Randy had expected, it was a messy aftermath.

The third man was still alive but barely when Mireille walked up to him and knelt beside him. Speaking in Spanish, she demanded to know who had sent him. The man defiant attempted to reach for his gun. Mireille stood and without a further word shot and killed him.

The thunderous booms of the shotgun got the Sheriff Deputy's attention. Typing out the message then sending it he waited for the next part of the script.

Sheriff Nagel acknowledged the communications and then directed that the deputy read the remaining script over the radio.

Martinez's Director of Security groaned as a desperate sounding deputy radioed that he was engaged in a gun battle at the Skinner Farm and that he needed backup immediately. The open mike recorded the gun battle.

Phil shook his head then headed out the door; he must really talk to Ralph about shooting so many rounds off.

The distant gunfire got the Randy's attention as well, "Well we are committed. It is regretful that they had to die but it will also send a message. Santiago is going to freak out when he hears about this. Kirika, Mireille lets get the hell out of here."

The bodies had been moved, at least the first two. The third was a bit messy. The man who had tried to cut the phone line he joined his late fellows on the ground near the porch.

Returning to the concealed Hummer, Randy stripped off his wig as did Mireille. Kirika following behind ensured nothing had been overlooked and then joined them as the Hummer drove down the driveway.

Approaching Highway 365, Randy flicked his lights and was returned by a brief flash of blue strobe lights. Turning south Randy accelerated to the speed limit and stayed there the entire trip back. Racing northward a fleet of Sheriff Patrol units raced to the scene of the shooting. There was an officer down and they all wanted to catch the bastards responsible.

The next part of the plan involved the Skinner's. After assistance from an Agency makeup artist, the Skinners were loaded into an ambulance and escorted by Sheriff Deputies to the hospital in Gainesville, were the local news media alerted to the failed home invasion and deadly shootout had cameras on hand to film the victims arriving.

By 11 PM, Martinez having watched the breaking news story unfold before his eyes is so enraged with the Head of Security which had been summoned to his study that Martinez punched his lights out.

Mireille sat in the study watching the news unfold as well. Musing she silently congratulated Sheriff Phil Nagel on the orchestration of the events. Had Mireille not been part of the events, she would have been taken in as well. The make-up artist had done an eerily too realistic job of making it appear the Skinner's had been beaten. The strobe lights from the ambulance highlighting battered couple as they were rushed into the hospital added to the realism as the harsh bruising was highlighted.

Kirika watched as Randy and Tabitha sitting at two different computers began to assemble a visual representation of Martinez's activities. By 1230 AM, all decided to call it quits for the morning. Kirika took one last look before heading upstairs at the organizational chart. There would be much cleaning to do in the days ahead by many people, and those in danger would be freed of their shackles.

The Sunday afternoon BBQ was in full swing by 1 PM, with the Lopez's and their children present. Maria and Esteban were on the back of Toby who was trotting the length of the pasture to and fro with Kirby scampering about adding to joy of the moment.

Mireille watching the activities from beneath the shade of an elderly oak had sampled the various fares. The beef, pork and chicken had been cooked on a trailer mounted grill, which was fired by charcoal. The Brunswick stew, prepared by cooking it over a wood fired pit had been delicious. Mireille observed in amusement as Tabitha Alexander had continued to pest Randy for the recipes for the BBQ sauce and the Brunswick stew.

Kirika astride of Lydia rode the horse along the perimeter of the farm getting a feel for the animal. Plodding along, Lydia walked in an easy stride not jolting but of smoothness. Kirika remembered Randy telling her that the animals would soon go to a rehabilitation center for the handicapped, where they would help those who had difficulty with motor control of their bodies. The gentleness of the horses movements would help stimulated the development of motor skills within those that lacked it.

The sound of a car coming up the gravel drive drew Mireille's attention. The Ford Crown Victoria with Sheriff Markings came to a stop in the farm house yard. Sheriff Phil Nagel exited the car and made a bee-line for Randy who was sitting at the picnic table.

Randy pausing from eating looked up towards his friend, "Well Phil took you long enough. How are things in Gainesville?"

Phil getting a plate stopped at the pans containing the BBQ, "Considering the ruckus that you raised last night it is about normal as can be expected. The four dead men carried no identification as expected and their fingerprints are not on file with the FBI so things are at a dead end there."

Phil lifted the lid off of the Brunswick stew and took a whiff then ladled some into a bowl, "Your assumption that Martinez would bring in outsiders was correct. The car that was found was reported stolen in Dekalb County from an apartment complex so that is also a dead end. What about things on your end?"

Randy sipped on his tea, "Martinez's organization is larger than anyone thought. Of course you've seen the outline of his legal enterprises, but the illegal activities run the gamut, so it no wonder he did not have direct control over the activities that are conducted. The majority are operated like a blind trust. So if something was to happen, the manager or "trustee" is the one who handles the issues; then they will report their actions at a later date."

Mireille joining Phil and Randy at the table, "Do you suppose that someone may have confided in Father Skinner to bring a halt to the activities? Randy you said the organization was operated like a blind trust; could there be some within dissatisfied with how things were being run and decided to get the assistance of the Church?"

Randy nodded, "There could have been any number of things that initiated this. Some of the activities are rather brutal and someone being exposed to or witnessing such acts will eventually have those issues weighing on their conscious. Then there is the possibility that another criminal organization is making an attempt to take over that particular field of business being handled by Martinez."

Phil taking a seat across from Randy rubbed his hands together, "What are you planning on doing next? That little show we put on last night has attracted press attention nationwide. It was still a zoo in Gainesville when I left an hour ago."

Randy glanced at Mireille, "We will wait. Martinez knows the game is up. Will he want to run? If he does Mireille and Kirika will pursue him where ever he goes and our involvement will be over."

Mireille adjusting her seating on the bench, "I doubt he will run at this point. He was successful in drawing us out. He still has no idea of our identities though he suspects the motive for his assassination was revenge. He will endeavor to remove us from his presence because until we are eliminated he can not continue expanding his organization. He or someone else used the Skinners just as we used them. Pawns upon the table of chess, though I suspect whoever was running the operation had given explicit instructions that they were not to be harmed."

Phil smiled at that comment, "Mireille you are likely correct. The goon squad likely had been given instructions not to injure them. Martinez seeing them in their battered state could only assume that things had gone haywire and they lost their objectively. The interior shot of their house which was aired by the local news people has likely enforced that idea, since there was the matter of the goon that looked like he had been sawed in half with that shotgun blast."

Phil looked up at Randy, "By the way, neither Ira nor Glen is happy with what you did to their house. Ira conveyed to me that she wants that mess cleaned up and things put right."

Randy replied, "It's already on the To-Do List. How much is the over-time cutting into the budget for the deputies?"

Phil not smiling, "Putting the extra people on is putting a crimp into things, should I send you a bill?" Randy nodded, "Yes. I will handle the pay for your deputies as well as the ambulance personnel involved. Give them my thanks."

Phil smiled, "I have already done so."

Kirika rode Lydia into the farm yard and then dismounted. Eyeing the group at the picnic table she joined them. Sitting next to Tabitha she turned to her and spoke nonchalantly, "Ms. Alexander there are a total of eight." Tabitha her eyes going wide glanced sharply at Kirika, "Just how in the hell did you see them?"

Randy and Mireille both chuckled. Mireille looked at Tabitha, "It is not to see them visually but to sense them."

Tabitha somewhat furious turned to Randy, "Well did you put her up to this?" as Randy accepting a piece of lemon pie from Angelina cocked his head to the side, "No. I did not have anything to do with that little excursion. It was entirely done on her own though it does give me an excellent idea for tomorrow."

Randy looked at Phil who groaned, "Phil you might want to hum and put your fingers in your ears so you do not hear this." Phil then proceeded to do what Randy said as he outlined what he had in mind for the next day. Mireille and Kirika were smiling afterward, to which Phil mused certainly meant something was about to take place and he could not be a participant. Tabitha hearing everything could only shake her head in wonder at the suddenly planned event. Even Tabitha pondered if she had opened Pandora's Box by mistake.

With the cleanup finished, it was 5:45 PM. Tabitha having changed for travel sat with Randy on the front porch, "Randy we have already got enough information to act on Martinez as it is. Conducting further surveillance could reveal your activities to him."

Randy rocking slowly in the rocking chair, "Mireille and Kirika had remained undetected for over a month prior to their initial activity. I never had any reason to take a closer look at that mansion of his, now I do. The public riding trail goes along the property line and it will give me a chance to refresh my memory at the lay of the land. I seriously doubt that a second night attempt to penetrate the mansion itself will even succeed so this is more for research than anything else."

The Lincoln Town Car drove into the farm yard at precisely 6 PM, and Randy picking up Tabitha's suite case and brief case walked her out to the car, "Tabitha for what it is worth, thanks for the help" as Randy stood next to the open door.

Tabitha having taken a seat looked up, "Randy, it is regretful that something like this occurred so close to home. Let's hope we can bring this to a mutual conclusion for everyone's sake."

Randy nodded, "Yes let's hope so. Oh one more thing Tabitha, this is for you," as Randy handed her an envelope then closed the door before she could reply.

Rapping his knuckles on the roof of the car, Randy stepped back and nodded to the driver to depart.

Tabitha somewhat surprised opened the envelope and read its contents. Looking up and smiling she took in Randy standing in the farm yard with Mireille and Kirika standing to his rear as they waved goodbye. The Town Car entered Highway 365 and then headed south for Atlanta and Dobbins Air Force Reserve Base. Tabitha picked up the phone and dialed, "Remove all surveillance immediately." Hanging up then picking up another handset she dialed another number which answered after three rings, "Yes sir this is the Director. They are going to continue the assignment. Yes sir I do understand the implications, however it is best that it be allowed to continue. I will be told when it is completed. Yes sir, understood sir. Thank you for your time." Hanging up the phone Tabitha Alexander settled back into the seat and briefly closed her eyes and gave a silent prayer.

Within an office, a man also closed his eyes and issued his own prayer as well then tapped the intercom button to announce he was ready for his next appointment. The secretary guiding in and announcing his guest took note, that the President seemed, relieved about something; after all the man carried heavy burdens on his shoulders. Perhaps there was one less on this Sunday evening.

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura both took in the massive Chevrolet Kodiak 4500, which was hooked up to the horse transport trailer. Toby, Lydia, Sarah and Cumquat had been loaded onboard the trailer as had their saddles and the cargo harness for Cumquat.

Angelina had prepared a honey baked ham for the outing. The picnic baskets sitting in the bed of the truck would be packed onto Cumquat when they arrived at their destination.

Roberto and Randy exited the trailer and went their separate ways with Roberto to continue his morning chores and Randy to head out with Mireille and Kirika on the outing.

Lying in the floorboard in front of the rear bench seat within the transport case was a model 1895 Remington Winchester nicknamed "Big Medicine." Chambered for the .405 caliber round, the Remington would ride in the scabbard on Toby.

Satisfied that everything was ready, Randy nodded to Mireille and Kirika to climb onboard the truck. Though Randy did not anticipate trouble, he was nevertheless prepared. Mireille who had seen Randy stow the rifle in the truck, "Mr. Baldwin are you overdoing it a bit?" as the truck and trailer eased onto Highway 52 towards Highway 365.

Shaking his head no Randy replied, "No I am not. Consider that a US President named Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." That is my big stick. We will be brushing up right next to the Martinez property during our excursion so I want extra insurance. I would have liked to carry some additional firepower but packing an assault rifle would have been too much so hence the Winchester."

Arriving at trail head, Randy expertly pivoted then backed the trailer and truck into unloading and parking area. After fitting the harness to Cumquat and loading the mule with the picnic items, Randy helped saddle the horses. Setting out on the trail it was after 10 AM.

With nearly 5,000 acres of preserved green space the only way to get around the wildlife preservation area was either by foot or horseback. Any use of motorized vehicles were prohibited. Mireille had studied the terrain map and noted where she and Kirika had penetrated Martinez's compound before. Showing it to Randy he nodded, "We will pass close by to that area. It will be interesting to see if there are any outward changes since your last penetration."

Traveling along the trail, Mireille and Kirika took in the surroundings. The nameless brooks and small streams that they had traversed would eventually feed into the Chattahoochee River. The variety of the fall foliage and the old growth trees that would be protected from developers' chain saws would stand for years to come to be admired by nature lovers and as a source of shelter and food by the wildlife.

Pausing briefly Randy examined the map and then scanned the surroundings. They were near the spot where Mireille and Kirika had entered the Martinez property. He had nearly missed the surveillance device; it was ensconced within a tree. Wireless transmission no doubt Randy mused. He was tempted to wave but did not let on that he had seen it.

Inside the security control room of the mansion, the operator had taken note of the horseback riders. One man and two woman and they had a mule carrying their picnic lunch. As he had done before, he radioed the security team in the field that more visitors were approaching.

The four men stood surrounding a young woman and her two children just within a meadow, where the trail had led. They were there to dissuade any visiting for the moment and they were refusing to move aside. Gina Frazier with son Corey and her daughter Ashley were enjoying the outdoors, thanks to a teacher's workday. Gina now began to wonder if this had been the right idea in the first place.

Mireille had taken the lead followed by Kirika and were entering the meadow when they observed the hikers in distress, urging Sarah forward Mireille closed quickly. One of the men turned to face the rider in preparation of grabbing the reins; Kirika never gave him a chance and promptly planted her right foot squarely on his face sending him to the ground in pain. Mireille wheeled about and clobbered another. The two who were still on their feet drew their weapons.

The roar of Winchester and the large clod of dirt splattering one of the men drew their attention to the man on the massive stallion entering the meadow. Mireille looking at the startled men, "It would be wise to put those weapons on the ground. I can assure you that he will not miss the next time."

Mireille backed Sarah away and motioned the woman and her children to follow, Kirika scanning the opposite tree line saw additional movement, "Mireille there are more in the trees on horseback, coming this way."

Randy within earshot of Kirika smiled then nodded, "I see them as well. They are on our side," as seven horseback riders broke into meadow clearing, they all broke into a gallop.

Leading the riders was Sheriff Janice Ferrell of Habersham County and from her looks Randy surmised she was not a happy camper.

Sheriff Janice Ferrell, who was leading the group of riders comprised of Deputy Sheriff's belonging to her department, had heard the Winchester fire. Her brunette hair flowing behind her accented her features the sun striking her face, the green eyes displaying more concern than anger. Slowing her riding party to a slow gait, the deputies approached then encircled the men standing and those on the ground.

Dismounting then approaching one of the two men still standing who Janice recognized her conversation was anything but ladylike, "Adolfo. Just what the hell do you think you are doing? You damn well know that this is public land. You have no business here."

Adolfo did not immediately answer but was persuaded at the sound of the Winchester chambering another round by Randy, "The Sheriff has asked you a question Adolfo. Why are you here and why did you and men intimidate the young woman and her kids?"

Adolfo swallowed, "I was instructed to prevent direct observation of the mansion." Janice taken aback by the answer, briefly turned away and then cut loose with a nasty right hook which connected solidly.

Randy winced, "Ouch. That is gonna leave a mark" at which several of the deputies chuckled at. Mireille pursed her lips at the sight of the Sheriff displaying such behavior. Are they always like this in the United States, she mused.

Janice still not smiling, "Well tell your boss that whether he likes it or not, people can look at the stupid house of his all day long. Furthermore since you were armed, I have a mind to put you under arrest, but I am not as I have other business to attend to. You can leave your weapons here with me. Send someone later to the Sheriffs Office to collect them. Oh Adolfo if I get another complaint about people being harassed on this hiking trail, God help you. Do you understand? Now get the hell out of here and do not come back."

Sheriff Ferrell watched as the weapons the men carried were left on the ground and with the aid of their fellows they headed back toward the Martinez estate. Satisfied she nodded to a deputy who dismounted and carefully placed each of the handguns within their own evidence bags. Randy watched with interest as the deputy did his work. Lowering the hammer on the Winchester, he placed it back within the scabbard then dismounted himself.

Gina Frazier who along with her children had been shield by Kirika and Mireille walked around the horses and approached Sheriff Ferrell, "Sheriff Ferrell, thank you for coming. Those men would not let us go further into the meadow. Why did they do such a thing?"

Janice turned and replied, "Because they were being overzealous and stupid to boot. I wish that Martinez had built his house somewhere else, the nerve of that idiot."

Sheriff Ferrell turned and eyed Kirika and Mireille then Randy who was looking down at her, "Well Randy what the hell are you looking at?" as Randy cocked an eyebrow.

"Ok Janice, who stuck a burr under your saddle. You seem a rather bit cranky."

Stretching on her tiptoes, the top of her head barely reaching his chin, the diminutive Sheriff replied, "You did. Who the hell are your two sidekicks?"

Randy looking into her eyes saw not anger but amusement, "They are some associates of mine who are in Georgia on business. They are Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura. By the way the clowns are well out of sight."

Janice glancing to her right sighed, "Well it's about freaking time. Damn they were so slow."

The braying of Cumquat announced his presence as he trotted into the meadow, the answering neigh of Toby adjusted the heading of Cumquat who made a bee-line for his companion, the two children having to step out of the way as Cumquat trundled by.

Janice spotted the cargo cases and smiled, "Well you kept your promise, I see." Turning to Miss Ferrell, "Gina why don't you and your kids join us at the top of the meadow where that big oak is. Mr. Baldwin has packed a rather nice picnic lunch for all of us."

Randy excused himself briefly and spoke with Mireille and Kirika, "It figures that Martinez was getting overly sensitive about his privacy, but at least what you both did may have put a stop to it. If Sheriff Ferrell asks you about what your business is here in Georgia, use the cover story that we discussed, ok?" Both nodded and wheeled their mounts towards the oak.

Returning to Janice who was sneaking an apple to Toby, "Janice, you are going to spoil him," as Randy took the reigns from her hand she smiled; "Randy he is already a 2,500 pound spoiled brat. At least he did not get close enough to land a kick on them. That would have been hard to explain."

Randy had to agree with her on that point. Toby could get rather upset with certain things. At least gunfire did not bother him.

Eyeing the riders ahead of her as Janice rode next to Randy, "So what is really going on? We had that rather exciting gun battle that played out near here yet we found nothing the next day. The estate security had already been proactive to an extent before all that happened. We have been receiving numerous reports of harassment since early July, but we could not prove anything till now. I suspect they will utilize other less invasive techniques to monitor the area. Then there was that mess at the Skinner's farm, which Phil is dealing with."

Randy replied, "Since we are having a picnic why don't we talk about this. I am sure my associates would be interested in hearing your views. It might help them with the investigation that they are conducting." Janice seeing the sly smile nodded and urged her mount onward with Toby keeping the pace. Cumquat braying in complaint followed both horses closely behind.

To be Continued...