NOIR

Associations

By Steve Edward

Chapter Seven

With the horses grazing nearby, the picnic was well underway. Mireille walked along the ridgeline with Kirika purportedly to view the scenery, but her attention was drawn towards the Martinez estate as was Kirika's.

"It seems Mr. Baldwin is correct. They have become overly sensitive to visitors in the area. Could we have overlooked something?" as they both returned towards the oak.

Kirika replied, "Mireille when we were within the compound the overall security was less stringent, but when we gained entry into the mansion itself was when we were finally discovered. We had not observed or seen a heavy security presence when we did our initial surveillance, so was it an effort to deceive someone else or was there a trap laid specifically for us?"

Mireille paused briefly by Sarah and rubbed the horses' forehead, "I believe it had been for someone else. There had been little indication on Martinez's part that he had felt threatened. Perhaps Randy was correct, there is something ongoing within the Martinez organization that has caused undue concern on his part. Sheriff Ferrell stated that they have had complaints of harassment since July of this year and it is now October. Our intrusion has only succeeded to elevate those concerns."

Returning and joining Randy Baldwin and Sheriff Janice Ferrell, Mireille broached the subject of Martinez's activities, "Sheriff Ferrell perhaps you can enlighten me and my associate with the concerns that you are having?"

Janice glanced at Randy who nodded but continued to eat, "Well since you asked, Santiago Jesus Martinez when he first arrived in our county did so with some fanfare. The man is a self-made millionaire and he has under his control various successful business ventures. After buying all that acreage, he of course built that mansion of his. That was nearly three years ago. The odd part was that when he built it, he utilized outside contractors. Not a single soul in this county got to partake. It did upset some, but it is his house after all."

Janice shifted position and adjusted her gun belt, "Our only building inspector had a time of it when it came to some of the construction techniques being employed. What looks like a three story house, is if you take into account the lower sub-levels is actually a fiver. The two sub-levels are poured and steel reinforced concrete. The outer walls are nearly two feet thick. The overall construction of the house is steel and concrete with very little wood framing used; in short a well built house but out of character for the area."

Mireille seemed to reflect on something, "You had mentioned that there had been harassment complaints coming from hikers." Janice frowning, "Yeah, it has been going on since mid-year, the complaints began in July. People hiking in the area had been approached by small groups of men who had encouraged them to go another direction. By the time we got word of the incidents and had got out here to investigate we could not find anything out of the ordinary, at least not until today. I guess we can be grateful that the Frazier's did not get hurt."

Randy set his plate down, "Janice you seem familiar with the man you called Adolfo. What does he have to do with Martinez?" Janice frowned a bit, "Adolfo Pena is the overall gofer for the Director of Security for Martinez who is named Gregario Santana. He handles the contacts with outsiders. Adolfo is the point man when it comes to anything that may impact the community, but this stunt he was involved with takes the cake so to speak. I was a bit surprised to see him in the first place."

Kirika reflecting on something, "This Mr. Santana is he rather close to Mr. Martinez?" as she viewed the distant mansion, Janice replied "I assume it is only a work relationship and not a personal one. Mr. Santana like Mr. Pena is a naturalized US citizen, with no known criminal record, though if Mr. Pena pulls a stunt like that again he will have one."

Randy musing a moment, "Janice what about weapons permits? Do they have those?"

Janice who had yet to crack a smile since the conversation started, "All perfectly legal. Complete background checks and fingerprints as well. No records not even traffic tickets among the bunch, the permits themselves; issued here in the county by the local magistrate."

Sheriff Ferrell turned to Randy, "Ok Randy, you and your associates seem to be rather interested in Martinez. What exactly gives?"

Mireille interrupted, "Mr. Baldwin who has provided consulting services in the past for the company that I and Kirika work for was brought in to assist with an investigation into the absconding of funds from an overseas bank. Mr. Martinez's name came up during the investigation and we have some interest in his activities that is which is really all that I can reveal at the moment."

Janice seemed to accept the explanation then looked at her watch, "Ok boys, the meet and greet is over with. Saddle up and get ready to move out. Mrs. Frazier, Mr. Baldwin will give you and your kids a lift back to your car just to make sure you get home safe. Randy glared at Janice who cracked a smile, "Well you do owe me a favor in return, and so don't even complain. That stallion of yours could carry all of them at once."

Gina Frazier was astride of Toby to the rear of Randy, her son and daughter were riding with Kirika and Mireille. Their backpacks had been loaded onto Cumquat for the trip out. Gina sensed tension within the man named Randy Baldwin. He had moved her hands downward from his chest to his waist after she apparently had came too close to something he was wearing. She had felt the shoulder holster as she had wrapped her arms around him.

Gina Frazier a widower, who had lost her husband to a farming accident had heard of Randy Baldwin only in passing and had never met him before. He had been rather open to her children but not to her nor his associates. Gina felt he was holding something back. Sheriff Ferrell had assured Gina that she would be in good hands with him and then rode off leaving her and her children alone with the trio.

Arriving at the parking area, Randy helped her dismount and had easily supported her till her feet touched the ground. His associates, Mireille and Kirika waited for him to get the children off the horses and he walked all three to their car.

After putting the back packs in the Ford Explorer, Randy turned to Gina "Mrs. Frazier, it was a pleasure to meet you and your children; I really wish it had been under better circumstances."

Gina Frazier who replied, "Mr. Baldwin thank you for your kindness me and my children appreciate what you have done for us. I too wish our meeting had been under better circumstances. Perhaps we can meet again sometime?" as Gina wrote down her address and phone number then gave the piece of paper to Randy.

Placing the note in his pocket he closed her door, "Mrs. Frazier do drive safely," then reaching for his wallet Randy withdrew a business card and handed it to Gina who took it from her and placed it in her purse. Starting the vehicle she waved good bye and drove off.

Lost in thought, Randy turned and nearly bumped into Kirika who was not showing any expression, "What is it Kirika? Something on your mind?" as Randy began to step around him she grabbed his arm, "Yes Mr. Baldwin there is. You are in my thoughts." Randy who was in no mood to discuss his personal issues tried to brush her arm free but suddenly found himself thrown hard to the ground, "Kirika get the hell off of me!"

Mireille approached and kneeled next to Randy, "Randy you have seemed a bit aloof around me and Kirika ever since we first met many years ago. You have changed little, Kirika is rather concerned."

Randy mused, Kirika concerned? Like hell she is. Randy felt Kirika shifting her weight and then he rolled hard as he could right into Mireille who in turn got knocked to the ground.

Before he could stand halfway up, Kirika slammed into him as hard as she could bringing him down again. Kirika not one to make mistakes twice flipped him on his chest and put him in an arm lock.

Kirika adding more pressure pleaded, "Mr. Baldwin, I do not desire to harm you. Would you please open up to us?"

Randy had little choice, it was to stay pinned to the ground for the rest of the day or agree to their questions which they wanted answered and he knew neither would now take the word no for an answer.

"Ok you win, but let me up. Damn it Kirika. OW that hurts! Stop it."

Mireille nodded to Kirika to let Randy stand but as he did so she quickly removed the Colt Commander, "Randy, it's time to let go. Tell me what happened."

Turning and walking away towards the trailer, Randy began "You recall I was involved with Father Skinner previously in Columbia? That particular mission there was two of us working the assignment. I did not reveal it to George at the time, but in foresight I should have done so."

Opening the loading gate, he walked to Toby and led him to the trailer and loaded him onboard, "The assignment had gone to plan up to a point. My partner was a young woman named Julia Summers. The intelligence gathering mission was to identify, locate terrorist cells operating within the confines of Columbia."

Next he loaded Sarah and Lydia, "Julia was a field rookie and I was her training officer for that assignment which was her first. A lead had developed that indicated we could likely retrieve critical information. The terrorist cell had a safe house located on the outskirts of Bogotá, Columbia and that became our principle target. Getting in was easy, Julia took out both guards without my help. I found what we were looking for and I and Julia prepared to extract ourselves when the remaining occupants of house returned."

Removing the packing containers from Cumquat, Randy walked to the truck; "We encountered each other in the alley and there was a shootout. Seeing that I was hit Julia told me to run for it and that she would follow. I did as she requested, the information was too valuable to risk loosing it."

Loading Cumquat into the trailer and closing the door, Randy leaned against the door; "I ended up with two on my tail. The locals pretty much ignore the gunfire at night because they just don't want to become involved. I managed to dump them when I entered the Catholic Mission, which is where I was reunited with Father Skinner my childhood friend."

Randy checked the trailer connections then climbed into the truck with Mireille in the front seat and Kirika in the rear, "I could not tell Father Skinner everything so I had to hope that Julia had been able to get away."

Mireille frowning, "Julia was captured?" Turning the key and starting the diesel Randy nodded, "Yes. Her captors showed no mercy. Julia was found dead 5 days later, on a side road naked. The remains pretty much told the story. Brutally tortured and savagely beaten, the bastards had even repeatedly raped her. After I recovered from my wounds, I requested permission to return to Columbia to settle the matter personally but the director at the time denied permission. He was such a damn wussy, no wonder he did not last."

Randy turned the truck and trailer onto the country road that would take them to Highway 365, "I and Julia had a close relationship, in retrospect probably too close. After loosing her; I refused to take any further partners male or female because I did not want to loose someone so close to me again."

Kirika spoke, "The night in the villa when we met, you hesitated." Glancing in the review mirror Randy nodded, "Yes, because of you."

Mireille was taken aback, "Why Randy?" Randy sighed, "Because Kirika looked like her in the darkness. Her movements and mannerisms were nearly the same. Julia used to do the same style of high kick when she attacked a larger opponent. I guess I was thinking about Julia at that moment, hence no attempt on my part to engage in a close quarter's gun battle."

Mireille recalled the encounter with Randy. There was no fear of death, only defiance of one who had little to loose, "So when we first met that night, you had little regard for your own safety. You could have easily left the compound without interference, yet you did not and instead you came to our aid. You were trying to makeup for what happened to Julia by bringing Kirika out."

Wheeling the Chevy Kodiak onto Highway 52, "Yes, I guess that had been my intention. I had followed procedures at the time as did Julia. I could have easily been in her place.

Instead she stayed behind and sacrificed herself for my eventual escape, for that I can never repay debt I owe her or her family in Iowa."

Pulling into the farm yard, Randy maneuvered the trailer back to the stable then put the truck in park.

Roberto coming from the nearby barn eyed his employer who seemed to have been in the dirt, "Mr. Baldwin sir, are you ok? Did you fall?" Randy looking down frowned a bit, "I am ok Roberto, just slipped down a hill and took a tumble so to speak. There is nothing to worry about. Would you lend a hand with the horses?" Roberto hurrying over, "Yes Mr. Baldwin I will be happy to."

Mireille exited the truck and walked up to Randy, "There are some things that I and Kirika need to attend to. It might be prudent for us to have our own vehicle for the time being as well. Could you drive us down to Gainesville to pickup a rental car?"

Randy knew it would do little good to change her mind, "Ok. Let me get changed and cleaned up first. Oh yeah Mireille, give me back my Colt," as they walked to the farm house, Mireille returned the weapon back to Randy.

Driving to Gainesville to pickup the rental car, the trio had ridden in a strained silence. Mireille looking at Randy pondered if she had forced too much out of him. Arriving at the rental agency, Randy gave them both keys to the house and with a slight smile waved good bye as he departed. Kirika clutching the key in her hand, "Mireille? Perhaps we were wrong in forcing him to bear his troubles."

Mireille turned to walk into the rental agency, "No we were not. He has had two close to him loose their lives in a violent fashion. Mr. Baldwin can not continue to keep the pain bottled up within as it will do little good for either him or us."

Randy headed northward had tuned into radio news station WSB Radio, to catch up on local metro news when a reporter announced the breaking news from Bogotá, Columbia of a major drug cartel being shut down. As the details of the operation were reported, Randy smiled then silently thanked Tabitha Alexander. It was the beginning of the end of Martinez, first the suppliers, later the money then Martinez himself.

Santiago Martinez reread the decoded e-mail in disbelief, as the sender who was now on the run reported that one of his operations in South America had been compromised. The e-mail already compounded his day of troubles. The minor incident near his estate, where a young woman and her children had been harassed, the phone call from the county sheriff and the letter on the county letter head admonishing his security force from conducting any activities outside the estate and warning that if any further harassment reports were received all gun permits would be revoked. Then the phone call from his attorney's in New York, with a report that the Security and Exchange Commission was demanding to reexamine certain financial statements some of which were over 5 years old.

Gregario Santana sat before his employer, having already been berated for the activities. Gregario had not been able to pin down the source of all their troubles and was inwardly even more furious with the failure of the men he had sent to the Skinner's. He knew that if he told Santiago of what he had done the punishment could mean his own death.

Gregario did have comfort that he had sacrificed them in the first place, because he knew that the threat was not directly related to a law enforcement agency. Who ever had lain in wait were professionals who had little compulsion to preserve life. Gregario pondered his next move and that of their hidden opponent.

Mireille and Kirika headed northward on Highway 365 towards Habersham County. Mireille wanted to seek out further information. What exactly was going on in the Martinez estate, neither Mireille nor Kirika could risk a repeat visit to the hiking area. Kirika had too seen the disguised surveillance devices and though the full capabilities were not known, Mireille doubted a night time penetration of the mansion would even succeed; she surmised that Gregario Santana had wasted little time in upgrading the defenses.

After crossing the county line, Mireille and Kirika went out of their way and drove past the estate's private road entrance and while doing so encountered four dump trucks all fully loaded with Georgia red clay headed somewhere south. The impressions from the trucks tires had clearly defined their exit from the Martinez estate grounds.

Mireille turned off into an abandoned country store, and shut the engine off on the Grand Marquis, "Kirika we did not see any signs of construction activity earlier today. It appears there is something going on." Kirika sitting silently made no comment but opened the door and got out.

Kirika walked to the rear of the store and faced the woodlands. Listening intently she could faintly hear the sound of a diesel engine at work. A tracked vehicle, a bulldozer perhaps; then turning around she nearly bumped Mireille.

Kirika spoke to Mireille, "The only way to find out what is really going on is to go in and observe."

Mireille frowned, "No Kirika. We will find another way," as Kirika stepped around and returned to the car. Kirika retrieved small hand bag from the back seat, and stepping into the shadows changed into dark cotton pants and a pull over shirt. Mireille waited patiently for her to complete her dress then approached Kirika, "You have three hours to discover anything you can. Do not get into any confrontations is that understood?" Kirika silently acknowledged the request.

Mireille placed her hands on Kirika's shoulders "It will suspicious if I stay here. There is a restaurant a short distance away, I will go there and bide my time. Be back here at Midnight is that understood Kirika?" Nodding again that she understood Kirika walked off into the darkness alone.

Randy Baldwin sat in the study looking at a memory which was the photograph of a smiling Julia Summers. The burden of guilt returned with sadness that he had felt at the time of being informed that she was indeed dead. Taking a short leave of absence, Randy had returned home to deal with the loss. His grandmother Phyllis had assumed his co-worker had died in a tragic accident that he had witnessed, but his grandfather Maynard knew the truth.

Maynard had sat on the porch of the old house discussing his own losses in life. The men who he had cracked jokes with just hours before he witnessed their passing on Omaha Beach at Normandy, having to watch helplessly as many of his comrades' bodies were swept out to sea never to be recovered.

Then the death of his own son and Randy's father and the many others along the way that Maynard had known. Randy recalled something that his grandfather once said, "Randy, there will come many times that death will visit those around you. Whether it is fate or just luck at the time, Death will pass you by for the moment. Eventually we will all face Death, but when it does come do not place fear before you. Welcome Death and embrace it, because it is too your friend."

Randy had encountered Death's own hand maidens and had eventually become known to him as Noir. What had Mireille seen within him that night in the darkened villa so few years ago? Was it that he had communicated his willingness to die? His willingness to tangle with Kirika had even frightened Sheriff Nagel, after his conversation with Mireille.

Then the gun battle in the middle of a Georgia thunderstorm, where he calmly stood out in the open; with no cover and had engaged four gang members. The bullet holes he found later in the leather rain gear bore silent witness to how close he came to being shot and killed.

Reaching for the photograph of Julia, Randy picked it up and then turned to the safe where he would lock it away again. Something stopped him and he leaned back into the chair and looked once again. Fate had given him a chance for life while taking another. Was there such a thing as a thread of life? Where two threads would merge to one and split apart to create another? Randy turned and closed the safe door with his foot and placed the picture frame onto the shelf behind him. Julia had accepted her fate, so as should he.

Mireille fretted the wait. It was past the dead line of three hours and still no sign of Kirika who had merged into the dark wood line three hours and 45 minutes earlier. Mireille strained to hear any sounds, but nothing came but those of the creatures moving about in the underbrush.

Mireille felt the weight of the Walther within one of the jacket pockets, the other pocket contained a lighter weight that of a cell phone. Mireille had just begun to remove the cell phone when the noise of the underbrush being disturbed had caught her attention.

Kirika leaned against the Georgia pine, doing her best to regain her composer. She had managed to reach the area of where the construction equipment was working and found a medium sized one story building near completion. The guard had found her by shear accident and Kirika had ended up fighting a pitched hand to hand battle in the darkness, with a second guard landing a glancing strike on her side with a knife.

Mireille walked towards the wood line to where she had heard the disturbance but saw nothing. She quietly called out to Kirika, "Kirika if you are there please come out!"

Kirika grimaced and staggered forward towards Mireille's voice, ignoring the noise that she was making.

Mireille who had crouched stood in shock at the appearance of Kirika, who was holding her side. Her clothing torn and disheveled, Kirika when she reached Mireille collapsed at her feet.

Mireille scooped Kirika into her arms and ran to the car as best as she could, her own wound not yet fully healed transmitted its own pain. It was just past 1 AM, when Mireille dialed the Baldwin farm.

Randy rolled over at first ignoring the ringing phone, the electronic ringer announcing the incoming call was programmed to get incessantly louder as time continued. Kirby at the foot of the bed rolled over and stood to his feet then scampered to his master's face, and sloppily began to lick.

Randy blinked his eyes open just in time to get a whiff of doggie breath and another sloppy lick between the eyes. Pushing Kirby away and viewing the time, Randy picked up the handset of his private line and answered the call; "This is Randy. It had better be good."

Seconds later, Randy Baldwin was hurriedly dressing.

Randy stood waiting in the farm yard, wondering just what had prompted Mireille and Kirika to pull such a stunt. Doctor Harold Francis and Darla were already on their way to assist with treating Kirika's injuries. Randy had directed Mireille to come directly back to the farm where Doctor Francis would meet them.

By 1:45 AM, Doctor Francis was examining his patient on the kitchen table, "Well Randy no deep penetration, just a glancing blow from what looks like a K-Bar. Had her attacker been holding it differently then Kirika would have likely never made it out."

Kirika her eyes half open took in the figure of Randy Baldwin who was standing to her right looking down at her, his left hand holding her right for reassurance and support.

Mireille stood at her feet, "Mireille please give Randy the camera. He must see the pictures."

Randy hearing Kirika's instructions turned and looked at Mireille, "What camera is she talking about Mireille?" Mireille somewhat lost in thought, jolted at the words "It is this camera," as Mireille withdraw the camera from the pocket of the coat belonging to Kirika. Handing the camera to Randy who briefly examined it before placing it on the counter top, Mireille asked Kirika if she had found something, "Kirika is there something on that camera that you found?"

Kirika winced slightly as Doctor Francis numbed the injury in preparation for stitches nodded, "Mr. Baldwin. An answer to what we have sought is within. Please view the pictures and the video." Randy looked over at Doctor Francis who nodded at the silent question, "She'll be fine Randy. Go have a look at the pictures while I take care of this."

Randy picked up the camera and headed for his study. The camera utilized a DVD recording system and had the capability for low level light filming and picture taking. Removing the DVD and placing it within his desktop computer DVD player he viewed the film first then switched to his Adobe photo editor and downloaded all the stills.

Gregario Santana stood over the remains of one of the two guards, who were dead, the other concealed under wooden pallets. How had someone found out about this construction site? Was it by shear chance? The nearest highway was three miles through thick woods. He had followed a set of footprints leaving the construction site to the wood line and discovered where the intruder had entered. Just what had the intruder seen in the building?

Walking back to the kitchen, Randy approached Doctor Francis, "Harold, how much time before you are finished?" Doctor Francis looking up, "Tying the last one now, then you can take Kirika to bed."

Randy nodded, "After I take Kirika upstairs, would you look at some still photos and video for me. I need you professional opinion," as Harold stood to his full height he nodded, "By all means but I want to take a look at Mireille while I am here. Her stitches may be ready to come out."

Randy carefully picked up Kirika off the table and headed for the elevator with Darla and took Kirika to her bedroom.

Placing her on the bed, Randy stepped back and took in the sleeping young woman. Inwardly he was furious, why had Kirika and Mireille gone back? His musing was interrupted by Darla, "Randy she will sleep for several hours. Harold gave her a strong sedative to be on the safe side. I will stay here and watch over her. You have other things to do."

Thanking Darla, Randy headed downstairs to the kitchen, where Doctor Francis was admonishing Mireille, "Young lady you must take it easy. Outwardly the skin is healing, but internally you still need to heal more. Do not put any more stress on your injury. Do you understand that?" as Randy stepped into the kitchen having heard Harold nearly from the top of the stairs, "I second that as well Mireille," as he paused next to Doctor Francis.

Randy eyed Mireille who was wearing only her bra, "The color black is fine but I did like the blue one better Mireille, it goes well with your eyes." Mireille turned and grabbed the first thing she could lay her hands on which was a salt shaker and threw it, "How dare you!"

Randy did not bother to duck but easily caught it, "Perhaps the red maybe for your temper?" Furious, Mireille abruptly stood her anger growing. Doctor Francis in middle of both put out his arms, "Ok enough of the lovers spat, I am too old for this."

Mireille edging her way around the table felt her arm being held. Doctor Francis peered over his glasses, "Ms. Bouquet, Randy was offering a compliment and was not trying to be derogatory in any fashion; though I must admit he has seen you all in your glory."

Mireille began to blush, "Randy, were you toying me?" Randy nodded, "Yes, I was. Consider it payback for what you put me through. Oh by the Harold, we have never been lovers so don't even go there. Mireille and Kirika both are substantially younger than me. If you are done please come to the study and you as well Mireille."

Entering the study with Doctor Francis, Randy pulled two chairs and set them before the large video screen then walked to his desk, "Harold, Kirika apparently shot this video inside some type of laboratory that is very near completion; can you try to identify the equipment? Kirika also took some up close stills if that will help with identification let me know."

Doctor Francis sat in his chair and gave the go ahead to roll the video which Randy did. Mireille entering the study paused as she finished buttoning her shirt. Harold leaning forward frowned, "Randy can you split screen the video and bring up the stills and rotate them through?" Randy nodded, "Sure."

Doctor Francis putting his chin atop of his hands which were clutching his walking cane, "Randy, exactly where did Kirika take this video and those digital stills?" Mireille looked at Randy who merely shrugged his shoulders. Mireille sat in the other chair and turned to Doctor Francis, "Doctor the video was taken a few miles away from here, for safety sakes I prefer not to reveal the exact location."

Doctor Francis grunted, "Well where ever this was taken, the facility has the makings of a first class bio-lab and from the looks of the interior shots I would say it could meet or exceed U.S. Government standards for a Level Four handling facility. Thankfully and wisely Kirika did not go through the airlocks. What equipment that I can see would be utilized for research into contagions."

Pursing her lips Mireille spoke, "What kind of contagions Doctor?" Harold leaned back and sighed, "The worst of the worst for starters, Bubonic Plague, Anthrax, Sarin Nerve Agents or any number of other things and the facility could be utilized for creating deadly variants or whole new classes of biologically active and high infectious bugs."

Randy sitting at his desk looked at the photos still rotating through the display screen and realized the worst case scenario coming into play. Build it in their own backyard while they are looking elsewhere. A slight of hand, the money trails were part of it; ingenious on Martinez's part.

Randy tapped the keyboard to stop the photo rotation, "Harold since you worked with the Centers for Disease Control at one time could you care to hazard a guess at how long before the facility might be operational?"

Harold nodded, "Yes I can. From the looks of things, it could be ready to go now. So calling someone would be a high priority."

Randy massaged his forehead, and then picked up the phone.

To be Continued...