CHAPTER 4
Once Webb was safely gone, Eddy went down and joined Porter in the study.
"Now your hair," Porter suddenly said.
"I like my hair," Eddy protested. "What's wrong with my hair?"
"Nothing, for a... nothing," Porter replied. "It could be more elegant."
Porter picked up the phone and had the salon send over a stylist and esthetician. They cut and plucked and pulled at Eddy. God, I've gone from Julia Roberts to Sandra Bullock. She thought as the esthetician made perfect arches out of her brows. While Eddy was getting the beauty treatment from hell, her new clothes had arrived. When they were done she went upstairs, changed into a suit and returned to the study.
"Are we done now?" Eddy asked. "Because the only thing left to do is to have me simonized."
"We're done and you look lovely." Porter smiled. "You look like a Webb."
"Is that a good thing?" Eddy mumbled and then asked. "So exactly what do you do when you aren't rubbing perfectly moisturized elbows with other people?"
"I read, answer correspondence, and over see the Webb foundation." Porter answered.
"What is the Webb Foundation?" Eddy asked.
"Officially it's a chartable organization. Unofficially and its main purpose is to provide emotional and financial support for families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty." Porter answered. "We help families of fallen agents and even provide scholarships for their children."
"Wow," Eddy said. "That's very philanthropic."
"Ours is not an easy life." Porter said. "I wish someone had been there with emotional support when my Neville past."
"Was he killed in the line of duty?" Eddy asked. There were no specific details about Neville in the file.
"No but it would have been helpful to have someone," Porter said. "Clayton never really recovered from the loss. I think if he had a male influence in his life back then it would have made a difference."
"You never remarried?" Eddy asked. She looked at Porter who could not have been more than sixty-five. She was probably in her early 30's when her husband died.
"There was no one for me after Neville. I had a son to take care of and I didn't want Clayton to ever be considered some one's step-child." Porter answered honestly.
"Wow," Eddy said. "I tried married life, twice actually. It was a disaster."
"Edwina how old are you?" Porter asked.
"I'm forty-one." Eddy sighed. "I know, so young to have to failed marriages."
"You never had children?" Porter asked.
"I was never married long enough, besides there was always the chance that I would be dodging in front of a bullet for someone. That's not fair to a kid." Eddy said. "I know what it's like not to have parents."
Carlton brought in tea and some finger sandwiches and served them.
"I always wondered what a watercress sandwich looked like," Eddy winked at Porter.
"Sorry ma'am, we're all out of Cheez Whiz." He said under his breath to Eddy.
When he left, Porter resumed the conversation. "If I may inquire, what happened to your parents?"
"From what I was told, my mother died a week after giving birth and my father didn't want me." Eddy replied. "His name isn't even on the birth certificate. I have a sneaky feeling that they weren't married."
"Was your mother's family named Winthrop?" Porter asked.
"No, it was the social worker's who placed me with my first foster family." Eddy replied. "The only name my mother put on the birth certificate was Edwina Rose, and her name Alice Marie. She didn't even put her last name on the certificate. By the time they realized it, she had died and my father was no where to be found."
"I can't imagine not knowing who I was," Porter said softly.
"I guess it's like being born blind. You really don't know that you are missing a beautiful sunset since you've never seen one." Eddy replied.
"And you were never adopted?" Porter asked.
"I hate to sound cynical, but it is financially advantageous to be a foster parent. Once you adopt a child you no longer get checks from the state." Eddy winked. "I was a hot commodity."
"You seemed to handle it all rather well," Porter stated.
"What was to handle?" Eddy asked. "That was my life, you play the cards you're dealt and hope that you don't end up a total mess."
"Tomorrow there is a luncheon at the Jefferson, will we be able to attend?" Porter asked changing the subject.
"We'll clear it tonight," Eddy replied. "I don't think it will be a problem."
"Very good," Porter smiled, "I think you should wear the pink Chanel."
"What ever you say Aunt Porter," Eddy winked and left the study.
After dinner, Porter sat in the study reviewing files for the Webb Foundation. Eddy took the time to walk the grounds and make notes of any areas she believed could be potential hazards. She met up with the two night agents, one of which she had known for several years.
"Well look at you Miss La De Da." He joked when she walked into the guest house out back.
"Oh shut up," Eddy replied. "She didn't like my clothes, neither did her son. God what a weenie he is."
"You never met Clayton Webb before?" Pete asked.
"He and I don't travel in the same circles." Eddy said. "He's a silver spoon and I'm more of a greasy spoon."
"He's CIA, you never ran into him?" Pete asked.
"I think I would have remembered." Eddy replied.
"What little word there is, has it that he's pretty good at what he does." Pete said, "A real golden boy with the CIA, if you overlook one incident."
"Oh please tell me you know what that incident was and please tell me it involved leather straps and a hooker." Eddy smiled. "You would really make my day."
"No can do," Pete laughed. "He apparently helped some Naval Commander over at JAG, gave him some evidence that embarrassed the DCI. He got sent away, but he came back and is back on top again."
"Well that sucks," Eddy laughed. "I thought it was something good and juicy. Hey when was this?"
"About two years ago," Pete replied. "Why?"
"Just a thought, I think I may know who that Commander could have been." Eddy smiled. "Anyway, any leads on who took a shot at Porter?"
"Nothing yet," Pete replied. "It doesn't make any sense. She hasn't been in the loop in a long time and now she just has lunch with other blue haired old ladies."
"She does a lot more than lunch," Eddy defended. "Her husband died back in the early 70's, do you think you could get me a file?"
"I'll make a call." Pete said.
"Tomorrow we have lunch at the Jefferson," Eddy advised. "Send two agents there to make sure the place is safe. I'll see you in the morning."
"You got it," Pete said, "And good night your highness."
"Shut up," Eddy laughed and returned to the house.
The next day Eddy got up and got ready for the luncheon at the Jefferson. Her long black hair that had once almost reached her waist was now just below her shoulders. She fussed with it trying to get it to look the way the stylist had done it the day before but it was useless. She finally put it up in a twist. Rich people wear buns. She thought as she went to meet Porter. On the ride to the Jefferson, Eddy went over some last minute details with Porter.
"You don't get out of the limo until I tell you to. At all times you walk on the inside. There will be an agent behind you and one in front. I will be next to you. We've changed the seating so that you are against a wall and away from any entryways. At anytime if I get a bad feeling, we leave. I'll tap your leg twice as a signal. Get a headache, get dizzy I don't care. Think of an excuse now because you may have to use it later." Eddy stopped and looked at Porter. "Should something happen and I can't get you out of there, you will be pushed to the ground. Just fall, don't try and stop it. I will be covering you. I want your head down and your chin tucked into your chest. Do you have any questions?"
"No I have none." Porter said looking at Eddy. She suddenly realized that this young woman was willing to give her life to protect her. The Webb's had always been willing to give for their country but this was completely different, someone actually had no fear of dying for her.
"Good, then let's have a good time. Elbow me if I pick up the wrong fork or something." Eddy joked.
They entered the ballroom of the Jefferson and Eddy got a big surprise. The senior JAG officers were in attendance. "What is this luncheon for?"
"It's a farewell luncheon for Rear Admiral Dyson," Porter replied.
"Shit," Eddy muttered under her breath. She prayed that Sturgis had told the others not to recognize her. All hopes were dashed when Harm and Mac approached them. Eddy glared at Harm trying to signal him with her eyes to go away but they kept walking.
"Mrs. Webb, it's so nice to see you again." Harm said with a smile. "You remember Colonel MacKenzie?"
"Oh course, you're friends of Clayton's." Porter replied. "Allow me to introduce my niece, Edwina Webb. This is Commander Harmon Rabb and Colonel Sarah MacKenzie."
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Eddy said extending her hand.
"The pleasure is mine," Harm smiled, "Any cousin of Clayton's, well you know how the saying goes." Eddy took the opportunity to squeeze Harm's fingers very hard and gave him a look that could have seared a hole right through him.
"Edwina, will you be visiting for long?" Mac asked.
"Just until Aunt Porter is feeling better," Eddy replied.
"Well, we'll have to get together." Mac smiled.
"Yeah, you can go shopping," Harm laughed. He noticed Eddy's outfit.
"Come along dear," Porter interrupted. "We should find our table."
"Yes Aunt Porter," Eddy smiled and walked away.
"Harm, that wasn't nice." Mac said.
"I wonder what that was all about." Harm mused.
"Are you really that dumb?" Mac asked. "Special assignment – she's here to protect Mrs. Webb."
Harm turned ashen. He knew that Eddy was with the Secret Service but it was at this point that he realized just exactly what she did and what she was doing. While they hadn't been in touch in years, she was still his friend and he didn't like the idea of her putting her life on the line. He remembered how he felt when she was shot years ago. He didn't have a good feeling about this. Mac gave him a slight jab with her elbow to bring him back from his thoughts. Instinctively she knew what he was thinking. "Harm, she knows what she's doing. She'll be fine."
"I know I was just wondering why Mrs. Webb would need protecting." Harm said.
They all took their seats and for the next two hours listened to various people sing the praises of the Admiral Dyson. Eddy didn't hear one word, she spent the entire time sweeping the room. Her eyes circled once and then back, over and over again. At one point she made eye contact with Sturgis who simply lifted his glass in her direction. Harm had filled him in when they were at the table. Eddy gave Sturgis a quick nod and went back to surveillance. Admiral Dyson got up to speak, which thankfully meant that the luncheon was almost over. As he began to address the group Eddy got a strange feeling. She looked around the room and didn't like it. This is no good. She thought. She reached into her bag and depressed a transmitter to signal her partners that they would be leaving. She then reached under the table to give Porter the signal. Before the second tap, shots rang out. Eddy threw Porter to the floor and covered her. It all happened in a matter of seconds. Eddy shoved Porter under the table and secured her. She then pulled out her gun and looked at the bedlam that was occurring. People were dashing for cover. A hotel security officer looked at Eddy and her gun. He was about to yell out when Eddy showed her badge and hissed, "Secret Service, do not blow my cover." Knowing that there would be Secret Service there, the officer nodded and checked other guests. When the smoke cleared, two agents got Porter to her car and took her home. Eddy escorted her to the car. "I'll be right behind you shortly. I have some things I need to take care of here."
Porter reached up, took Eddy's hand and squeezed it. She gave Eddy a nod and smiled. "We have tea at four."
"I'll be there Aunt Porter," Eddy smiled. "You get home safe."
"The same to you dear," Porter smiled. Eddy closed the limo door and pounded twice on the roof, signaling the driver to go. She then returned to the ballroom. When she got there she was stopped at the door. She showed her ID and was admitted to the room. The paramedics were there tending to Admiral Dyson. He had been shot and from the look on their faces he was not going to make it.
"Are you okay?" Sturgis asked walking over.
"I'm fine, did anyone see the gunman?" Eddy asked.
"It all happened too fast," AJ said.
"Admiral, are you injured?" Eddy asked his white uniform had red blood stains on it.
"It's not mine," AJ said. He had been sitting next to Dyson and when he was shot he fell onto AJ.
"Where are Mac and Harm?" Eddy asked looking around.
"Mac is talking to the hotel security and Harm is with Mrs. Dyson." AJ replied.
"What happened?" James asked walking in. "Where is she?"
"She's safe, I sent her back with two agents." Eddy said. "Some thing's not right."
"Talk to me," James said.
"There was nothing unusual through all the speeches." Eddy stated. "I am confident about that. I never let my guard down for a second."
"I don't doubt that," James replied.
"What happened to change that?" AJ asked.
"Admiral AJ Chegwidden, James Crowley, Director of the Secret Service." Eddy said making a quick introduction. "I got a feeling when the Admiral got up to speak. I had already notified my partners and was giving Mrs. Webb the signal to leave when the shots were fired."
"Admiral," Mac called walking over. "They found a slug in the wall behind the lectern."
The group walked over to the wall and watched as the forensic specialists removed the bullet from the wall. Eddy looked at James and shook her head. She grabbed a rubber glove, put it on and took the bullet.
"Porter wasn't the target." Eddy announced. "This is a slug from a high powered rifle. There is no way the shooter's aim was that bad. Porter's original seat wasn't even in this area. If he had wanted to get her, he wouldn't have been shooting at the dais."
"Who do you think the target was?" Sturgis asked.
"I think they got the target," Eddy replied. "I think it was Admiral Dyson."
"I want this," AJ stated. "I want the shooter."
"Admiral, you need to let us do our job." James replied.
"Would it hurt to have a JAG investigation?" AJ asked.
"No, I don't think it would," James smiled. "But Eddy's the lead here."
"That's fine," AJ replied. "She and my staff are acquainted, so they should work well together."
"Is that okay with you Agent Winthrop?" James asked.
"Yes Sir, it's fine." Eddy replied. "Admiral, if you could send whomever you want to the Webb estate it would be appreciated. Right now I would like to get back there and check on Mrs. Webb."
Eddy left and was taken back to Porter's by another agent. When she got there Porter was in the study and there was a doctor fussing over her.
"I am fine," Porter stated. "Would you please let me be?"
"What happened?" Eddy asked running in.
"She was having trouble breathing so her houseboy over there called a doctor." Pete replied.
"He's a Major Domo, you idiot." Eddy said. "Mrs. Webb, are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Porter stated. "What happened at the luncheon?"
Eddy ignored Porter's question for the moment and turned to the doctor. "How is she?"
"As far as I can tell, she's fine. She was body slammed to the floor and it appears that she may have bruised a rib, that's why she was having trouble breathing. I won't know if it was broken or not without an x-ray." The doctor replied.
"And if it is broken there is nothing that can be done except giving it time to heal. I am not going to get any x-rays." Porter stated. "What happened at the luncheon?"
"Oh I am so sorry," Eddy said. "I didn't mean to push you down so hard..."
"You did this?" The doctor asked.
"She was protecting me," Porter said and waved her hand. "Now, would everybody please leave?"
Eddy sat down on the floor next to Porter's chair. She felt terrible. She had never before injured a charge. "I am so sorry," She repeated.
"What happened at the luncheon?" Porter asked.
"Admiral Dyson was shot and killed," Eddy said. "I believe he was the intended target, not you."
"Poor Dysie," Porter said sadly, "Such a good man, such a nice man."
"If you don't mind my asking, how did you know the Admiral?" Eddy asked.
"Dear, please bring me that black album on the top shelf." Porter pointed. Eddy got up, retrieved the album and placed it on Porter's lap. She sat down on the floor and listened as Porter showed her pictures.
"This was my Neville," Porter said. "This was taken right after Clayton was born."
"He was very handsome," Eddy stated. No bullshit, she thought. He was good looking.
"This is Admiral Dyson," Porter said pointing to another picture. "He had just returned from Cuba. I believe this was 1961. Julia, his wife, and I had children around the same time. That's us watching the boys play."
"Who's that?" Eddy asked pointing to a picture of another man in uniform.
"That's David Foster. He was killed in action in 1969." Porter said. "He was probably Neville's closest friend. It nearly killed Neville when he got the news. They had worked together in Viet-Nam."
Porter turned the page and ran her hand over another picture. "This was my best friend, Pru. Prudence Winston and I worked together at the NSA. Oh, it sounds silly with the type of work we did, but we had fun." Porter smiled. "Not fun at work of course, that was serious business but after work, the group of us would laugh for hours."
"It must have been nice to have a special group of friends." Eddy smiled looking at the pictures.
"Oh it was," Porter said. "I've tried to impress that upon Clayton that no matter what happens you need to have good friends. He's always kept to himself. I believe he considers the Colonel and Commander his friends, but I don't know if he ever confides in them."
"Do you see any of them now?" Eddy asked.
"Dysie was the last," Porter said sadly. "Now it's just me."
"I'm so sorry." Eddy said and she meant it.
They spent the next few hours looking at the pictures. Porter showed her everything laughing and reminiscing as she turned each page. Eddy would have liked to stay and listen to more, but Mac, Harm and Sturgis arrived. "I need to discuss some things with them." As Eddy began to walk away Porter took her hand.
"Eddy," Porter smiled. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Eddy smiled and left.
Eddy met the group in the foyer, "Let me go change." She went up to her room threw on a pair of sweats and escorted them to the guest house. "We've set up operations here."
Harm had gotten copies of the surveillance tapes from hotel security and they sat and reviewed them.
"If there was someone walking around with a rifle, I don't see him." Mac said.
"You're right nothing looks out of the ordinary." Pete replied.
"Go back a few frames," Sturgis said.
"Did you see something?" Eddy asked.
"I'm not sure," Sturgis said. "Look right there."
"It's a man with a cane," Harm said.
"My dad uses a cane," Sturgis said. "He's limping on the right and carrying the cane in his left hand. Usually, you use the cane on the same side."
"Is there any chance you can enhance the cane?" Harm asked.
"Give me a second," Pete said.
"Clearer," Eddy stated.
"That's not a cane," Harm said. "We should go through the tapes and see if there is a front view of this guy."
They went through the other tapes and there was no shot of the man with a cane from the front.
"Look at his shoulders," Eddy said. "That guy is built."
"Not now, Eddy," Harm teased.
"Oh shut up," Eddy said rolling her eyes. "What I meant was he looks like a young guy."
"Or a very well maintained older man." Mac said.
"Now what?" Pete asked.
"Tomorrow, I'm going back to the Jefferson." Harm said. "The HR director said I could review the files."
"That's as good a place as any." Eddy said. "It very well could have been an employee."
"I have to be in court," Sturgis said. "But after I can do anything you need."
"I'm going to look into the Admiral's background." Mac said. "Maybe something there will give us a lead."
"Speak with Mrs. Webb," Eddy said. "They were good friends."
"What about you?" Harm asked.
"I have a few things I want to check out, but I also need to stick close to Mrs. Webb. She's my primary focus here." Eddy replied. "Are you guys hungry? That lunch today did nothing for me."
"I could eat," Mac replied.
"Oh heaven help us," Harm said, "Two hungry Marines."
"How do you all know each other?" Pete asked.
"Harm, Sturgis and I all work at JAG." Mac said.
"Harm, Sturgis and I went to the Academy together." Eddy replied.
"Wow, so are you two Marines as well?" Pete asked.
"Nope, we're in the Navy." Sturgis replied.
"The Marines didn't want these two wimps," Eddy laughed.
"Oh yeah Marines are so tough. Just because you guys don't feel the pain of a tattoo needle and like to sleep with bugs doesn't make you better than us?" Harm teased.
"Eddy you have a tattoo?" Pete laughed.
"A little heart on her..." Sturgis said absently then caught himself.
"How do you know she has a tattoo?" Harm asked.
"Never mind, Pete what do you have stocked in here to eat." Eddy asked and went into the kitchen. Mac followed her in.
"So how long has it been?" Mac asked.
"How long has what been?" Eddy asked.
"How long has it been since you and Sturgis were an item?" Mac asked.
"Me and Sturgis," Eddy laughed. "What makes you think that?"
"He knows where your tattoo is," Mac smiled.
"And Harm doesn't know where yours is?" Eddy shot back.
"Who said I had a tattoo?" Mac replied.
"Do you?" Eddy asked.
"Yes," Mac smiled.
"Does Harm know where it is?" Eddy asked.
"No," Mac laughed, "And you still haven't answered my question."
"Summer of 1985," Eddy replied.
"Does Harm know?" Mac asked.
"I don't think so, and he's not going to find out." Eddy said.
"He won't hear it from me." Mac replied. "So, tell me."
"We just met," Eddy laughed.
"So," Mac laughed. "Tell me."
"It was nice," Eddy said, "Really nice, but we decided that we would rather be friends than risk it for a romance. It would never have worked, not because of the race issue but because he wanted to be on subs and I didn't want that kind of life."
"He's a tough nut to crack," Mac stated.
"Not really," Eddy laughed and handed Mac a loaf of bread.
While Mac and Eddy were in the kitchen, Harm took the opportunity to question Sturgis.
"How did you know about her tattoo?" Harm asked.
"It was a guess," Sturgis replied.
"You guessed what it was and where it was," Harm asked. "By the way where is it?"
"That's classified," Sturgis laughed.
"Come on how did you know?" Harm asked.
"She mentioned it in a letter once that she was getting a tattoo and she told me about it." Sturgis shrugged.
"Nah, not the way you answered." Harm said. "Did you and she ever?"
"Did you and Mac?" Sturgis shot back.
"I wonder what's taking them so long with the food." Harm replied.