NOIR

Associations

By Steve Edward

Chapter Nine

By 12 PM, Satellite News Trucks lined the narrow country road leading to the Martinez Estate.

The regular consumer fare on television had been preempted for the news coverage as reporters urgently conveyed what had transpired. Randy viewing the feeding frenzy reached for the remote and muted the voices.

The Hummer idled past the window of his study, the viewing angle did not allow him to see who was driving, Mireille walking in with coffee service tray set it on the nearby table, "Kirika is driving. She wanted to put it into the garage for you."

Randy smiled, "Well that is kind of her. Has Ned already left?" Mireille nodded, "Mr. Sherman left about 45 minutes ago. He said his services were needed at the Martinez Estate."

Randy tapped the notepad, "Well he will have his hands full. Tabitha says that Martinez had computer server farm in the sub-basement of the mansion. The shear amount of data that is there is going to take months to go through."

Mireille poured the coffee and walked it to the desk setting it down. Viewing the picture frame behind Randy, Mireille asked "Is that Julia?" as she reached for the frame.

Randy stopped her and nodded, "Yes Mireille it is."

Randy frowning, "I pressed Tabitha rather hard to see if she knew Kelly Summers was inside Martinez's organization from the beginning but she insisted she only learned of Kelly's involvement this morning herself."

Mireille pursed her lips, "A completely separate operation all together from ours all along." Randy nodded, "Yeah it appears that way. The right hand not knowing what the left hand was doing reared its ugly head once again."

Mireille taking a sip of her coffee, "Did Tabitha say how long she had been inside?" Randy frowning, "Yeah. Kelly Summers had been undercover for four years as a FBI operative, and had been somehow able to become Martinez's secretary about 2 years ago."

The phone call with Tabitha had been heated, Randy already furious with Kelly Summers involvement vented his anger loudly over the phone causing Kirika and Mireille to flinch in the kitchen.

Tabitha's rebuke just as sharp seemed to cut through his anger as even Tabitha was appalled by finding out the operative's identity. Tabitha had crossed swords with the Director of the FBI not only over that issue, but another as well.

Kirika walking into the study took a seat next to Mireille, "Did Ms. Alexander report the leak to the FBI?" To which Randy nodded, "Yes she did. The Director said he had no leaks, was informed otherwise by Kelly Summers from the FBI office in Atlanta. Someone had picked up information on your original assignment and had called Gregario Santana with the information. Kelly remembers the call quiet clearly as it had come in the late evening."

Randy leaned back in the chair and grimaced slightly, "Kelly was also an auditor for Martinez. It was during a trip in early February to Bogotá, Columbia on the ruse of a normal audit that Kelly was able to make a copy of the computer data files, while Martinez was meeting with manager of the operations."

Turning and picking up the frame of Julia, "Somehow during the course of the visit Kelly made discreet contact with Father Skinner and gave him the information to forward. Had she been found with the data disk, she likely would have been killed. The leak by the way was traced to a clerk in the secretarial pool at the FBI Headquarters in Washington D.C."

Mireille looking at the picture, "Does Kelly remember you?" Shaking his head no, Randy replied "No. Kelly was only 12 years old when Julia was killed. I never went to the funeral for obvious reasons and it would have been awkward for the family and me if I had attended. Tabitha was able to explain away my presence as well as the two of you, so Kelly will get a cover story explaining that we were all part of the Strike Force, our true identities are being withheld."

Turning to the television and watching yet another aerial shot of the Martinez Estate, Randy spotted Ned's motor home parked next to the mansion, the lower cargo doors all open with cables snaking into the house itself, "The Agency is going to share all they can to at least alleviate any further mistakes. Hopefully Ned will get what he is supposed to be looking for."

Kirika folded her hands into her lap, "What of the scientist? What was his role?" Randy tapping the pen on his desk, "After Major Benson brought him to, he found out he was a former East German scientist, who had offered his services to the highest bidder. He had also obtained samples of genetically altered viruses from a research laboratory in Russia where he worked at and had smuggled them into the United States with help from unknown third parties and was preparing to go to work for Martinez. Major Benson's men found the virus inside a storage container filled with liquid nitrogen in the bottom floor of the mansion. The scientist has so far refused to further cooperate in the identification of the viruses, so they have been taken to a US Army lab in Maryland for analysis."

Randy stood and walked around the desk, "For what it is worth all of us got what we needed to accomplish, I deeply appreciate working with both of you. I hope we might in the future be able to do so again."

Mireille with a slight smile, "Perhaps we can Mr. Baldwin." Kirika, the rare smile breaking out agreed as well.

Randy headed to the kitchen followed by Kirika and Mireille but paused at a bag sitting in a nearby chair. Shrugging his shoulders he picked up the bag and turned to Mireille, "I forgot about this. It's for you."

Mireille taking the bag from Randy peeked within and immediately began to blush, "Mr. Baldwin? You said blue but it is red!" Randy chuckled, "Well I changed my mind a bit, can I at least do that?"

Mireille answered by swinging the bag and hitting Randy in the head, "No you can not!"

Kirika watched as the bottom half of the too revealing swim suite fell from the bag. Picking it up Kirika handed it to Mireille, "Perhaps Mr. Baldwin is correct?"

Mireille about to argue further watched as Randy strolled off muttering as he went, "Offer a compliment, one should stick with it. Damn, I should have gone and bought the blue one instead."

The country side passing by the window on the sunny Friday afternoon was in appearance peaceful. Randy sitting in the passenger seat of the Kodiak 4500 watched as Kirika expertly switched lanes back to the right after passing a slower moving car. The horse trailer in the rear was riding empty. Kirika had gone with Randy to help deliver Sarah and Lydia to the rehabilitation facility in Alpharetta.

Kirika approaching the turnoff at Highway 52 activated the turn signals and checking her mirrors once again turned off Highway 365. Driving the short distance to the entrance of the farm Kirika eased the Kodiak off the road onto the gravel and ascended the driveway. The marked Sheriff's unit parked next to the smokehouse caught Randy's attention but he ignored it.

Kirika swinging across the farm yard straightened up the rig and then placing the truck into reverse backed the trailer into its storage spot next to the barn; Randy smiled "Well done Ms. Yumura. I believe we will make a truck driver out of you yet."

Both exited the vehicle and headed for the farmhouse, where Randy could see Sheriff Phil Nagel and Mireille sitting on the front porch talking.

Mireille had watched Kirika as she had maneuvered the horse trailer, her concentration on putting the trailer in the exact spot where it had been taken from reminded Mireille of Kirika's attention to detail.

Phil sitting in the chair stood and greeted Randy, "Welcome back. How was the trip?" Randy smiled, "A lot easier with Kirika driving, my ribs are still hurting." Phil nodded, "Well what do you expect for taking a 9MM point blank range to the chest? A gentle love tap?"

Mireille interrupted, "Randy you have a visitor in the study. It is Kelly Summers."

Randy turned to Phil, "Who the hell put you up to this Phil?" Sheriff Nagel took a step back, "Ms. Summers did, Randy. She is a FBI agent after all. She has been at the jail assisting with interviews, there were some not wanting to cooperate so Ms. Summers has been there refreshing their memories. She found out your involvement at least up to a point from Sheriff Ferrell and put two and two together. There will be little use of avoiding this now."

Entering the house, Randy walked down the hallway and entered the study. Kelly sat before his desk, looking at the framed photo of her late sister.

Kelly Summers abruptly stood, "Mr. Baldwin, I am sorry for intruding on your privacy but I need an explanation from you." Randy frowning, "An explanation for what Ms Summers?" Kelly pointed to the picture, "The photograph of Julia. Why do you have it on your desk? As well as the truth to what happened in Columbia, I need to know."

Mireille, Kirika and Sheriff Phil Nagel entered the study together interrupting both, Mireille walked up to Kelly Summers, "Ms. Summers what you are about to hear will be rather painful for you as well as Mr. Baldwin, it is something I wished I had not pressed him for. Please have a seat. Kirika would you get the coffee please?" Kirika nodded and walked out to the kitchen.

Phil turned to leave but Randy stopped him, "Phil, you need to stay as well. I know how George got the disk." Phil Nagel pulled another chair up to the desk and sat along side Mireille.

Kirika returned from the kitchen with the serving tray and poured the coffee for everyone and then sat down herself.

Randy sat at his desk and looked at Kelly Summers, "Kelly everything that I am about to tell you will be utterly denied by the Central Intelligence Agency. Your sister Julia and I were assigned a mission within the confines of Columbia. The Agency had received intelligence concerning a terrorist cell with ties to the Middle East that was providing aid to factions opposing the government of Columbia."

Randy picked up the picture frame of Julia Summers and held it, "We were able to locate the safe house where they were conducting their operations from. Julia who I was training successfully took out two occupants who had stayed behind in the house. After gaining entry, with Julia standing watch I went about getting what I needed. Things turned sour on extraction.

We ran into the remainder who were returning to the house and a gun battle ensued. I was wounded. Following policy we separated to make our escape. Julia was the decoy, but I still ended up with two on my tail."

Kelly seemed to nod, "So my sister tried to lead them away from you?" Randy nodded, "She led the majority away. The remaining two were dogging my every move, so I was doing everything I could to dump them. While headed through the maze of alley's that they have there, I came upon a Catholic Mission, where I took refuge. It was there where I ran into my childhood friend Father George Skinner."

Randy frowned slightly, "George of course helped with getting my wound treated, and a couple of days later I made my escape. But Julia was not so lucky. She was captured. Kelly, those who had captured her did unspeakable acts. Beaten, tortured and repeatedly raped, she refused to give in. The Agency located her remains 5 days later on a side road in Bogotá.

Kelly blinking her eyes, "What about those that did these acts against her?" Randy set the picture frame down, "Of the six that were involved, all are now dead. Initially the Agency refused my request to let me hunt them down, but the Agency never forgets nor do they ignore individuals who have killed an agent. It may take a little time but there is retribution."

Randy leaned forward in the chair, "Three died in a gun battle with the Columbian military, a year after. The three remaining men died in a gun battle in Pakistan, after I learned of their whereabouts; and dropped a hint to local authorities."

Kelly Summers reflected on something, "Why did the government not tell me and my parents the truth?" Randy expecting the question, "The policy of the Agency is just that. The circumstances of her death, while operating in a foreign country would be difficult to explain and how she died would have been another. The accident story was just that. It was a way to explain her death to her loved ones. Kelly you know of the CIA Memorial Wall?"

Kelly nodded that she did and Randy continued, "Kelly, currently there are 83 stars on that wall. Of the 83 stars that represent those CIA operatives lost in the service of our country, the names of 48 are releasable to the public. The remaining 35 can not and will likely never be revealed. Julia Summers is one of those 35 and it is a debt that I can never repay to you or your family."

Mireille turned to Kelly, "Ms. Summers, Randy carried the pain of your sister's death within him for a long time; it was not something that was easy for him to reveal. I would prefer that you not pursue this any further." Kelly Summers looking into the eyes of Mireille Bouquet saw the restrained anger and sadness.

Kelly Summers stood and turned to leave, "Mr. Baldwin, thank you for time. What you have spoken of will be held in strict confidence."

Randy was not finished, "Ms. Summers, the chess piece the black knight. Do you still have it?" Kelly stated that she did.

Holding out his hand Randy replied, "It belongs to Father George Skinner; I would like to return it to his parents please. May I have it?" Kelly reached within her purse and retrieved the chess piece and gave it to Randy. Sheriff Phil Nagel looking on, "So you were the person who contacted George? He gave you that chess piece as a way to identify you in an emergency." Kelly nodded. "George was such an avid chess player, his father Glen had carved those chess pieces years ago; very distinctive design."

Randy holding the chess piece placed it next to the picture frame, "Fate draws many together in one form or another. The eventuality of this brings those to close associations with others. The bonds that are forged can be lasting, Kelly please feel free to visit me or call if you want, Ok? Also we are having dinner here tonight if you would like to come please do so." Kelly replied, "I will keep your offer in mind."

Sheriff Nagel stood to leave, "Randy, I'll drive Ms. Summers back to Gainesville, then I'll be by for supper, Jill is not due back till tomorrow." Randy replied, "That will be fine Phil, see you at 6."

The dinner took place of the front porch of the Baldwin home, with numerous invited guests who included Gina Frazier, her son and daughter Corey and Ashley with Doctor Harold Francis and his wife Darla.

Randy was pleasantly surprised when FBI Agent Kelly Summers arrived and he introduced her to Glen and Ira Skinner.

Though the meeting for all three felt awkward at first, they warmed to each other and discussed Father Skinner's life with each other.

Mireille maintaining her cover, acted as hostess and with Kirika helped keep those present entertained.

Corey and Ashley along with their mother, Gina were introduced to Toby who gave the children a ride around the farm. Their laughing and giggling carried to the adults who watched Cumquat patiently follow the horse where ever the animal went. Kirby scampering about in Jack Russell fashion added to the entertainment. Crabby had perched himself on Cumquat's back seemed to look on in the fathomless expression of a tomcat.

Randy bid farewell to his visitors by 9 PM except for Gina who stayed and chatted with him in his study. Corey and Ashley watched over by Kirika in the sitting room, slept.

Mireille, upstairs penned a letter to Randy Baldwin.

Waking up at 5 AM on the late October Saturday, Randy headed to do his chores and stopped to check on Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura. He found both bedrooms empty, which he had expected. Their assignment had been completed, and both had little reason to stay further.

Finding the note on the table, Randy read it briefly then smiled. Placing it back on the table he headed to the stable to get the chores done with.

Mireille and Kirika were respectfully looking out their windows, far below the coastline of the United States passed beneath the charted Gulf Stream 5. The aircraft having lifted off from Peachtree-Dekalb Airport 45 minutes earlier was enroute non-stop to France.

Mireille turned to Kirika, "Did you keep it Kirika? Without turning Kirika nodded, "Yes Mireille I did." So had Mireille, the notes on their individual beds had asked that they keep the keys.

Kirika pondered the saying she had found in her note, "The thread binds, yet it becomes separate. Weaved together, each thread forms a bond that becomes stronger over time, those who are the threads, that may pass in the night but within the day; they will see."

Mireille had read the same saying, as well. The light of the day is when one sees the true picture. The blackness of their profession could be hidden within the night's darkness and shadows. The decision to act or not to act could cut a thread or add to it. Friendship forged in darkness could carry to the day as well.

Mireille opened her purse, the shiny key within gleamed from the overhead lights. To open ones heart to another the offer of solace. Closing her purse, Mireille turned off the reading light and reclined the seat, then fell into a light sleep.

Fini.

Author's notes:

The location of this story took place within the State of Georgia, in Hall and Habersham Counties in the United States.

It is reiterated that any resemblances to actual buildings, homes and other descriptive information is entirely the creation of the author. Any events that have been described as taking place are entirely and purely coincidental.

The CIA Memorial Wall does in fact exist. You may view the Memorial Wall on the Web at http:www.cia.gov/cia/information/tour/stars.html