NOIR
Chapter Four
Revelations
By Steve Edward
Mireille circled the house, and headed for the front. The way the man was dressed, and the way he walked did not look anything like Randy Baldwin.
Randy stepped onto the walkway and headed for the front door exhausted. Perhaps he should have gone back to the sheriffs department to clean up, but having been driven to Gainesville by Phil he had no transportation, so he asked Clarence to drop him off.
Digging into his pocket for the house key, Randy passed the gate that allowed entry to the backside of the house, missing the slight creak as it opened he had just set foot on the first step when the muzzle of Mireille's Walther dug into his lower back.
Mireille spoke softly, "Do not take another step. Hands on your head, do it now!" Randy complied and when directed turned slowly around, "Hi Mireille." Mireille sighed, "What the hell were you thinking? You could have at least called!"
Randy had not communicated with either his wife or Noir since Sunday. Randy shrugged his shoulders, "I'll explain inside."
December 21st, 0300 hours, Wednesday, Baldwin Farm, Hall County, Georgia
Gina and Jill with Mireille and Kirika absorbed the news. Gina eyed the bruised knuckles of her husband's hands, "You got into something?" Randy flexed his hands, "Yes you could say that." Accepting the coffee from Mireille who returned to the table, Randy continued, "Phil had put the word out to press the snitches. A couple of names came up and the undercover officer I was working with, he and I paid the last snitch a visit. He pretty much confirmed it."
Jill crossed her arms, "All of this over a stupid fight at the school?" Randy turned to Jill replied, "Yes and no. Carl Ellis was the muscle, the enforcer. Someone else was the brains. Mr. Brain as I prefer to call him for now had been putting together a little plan to introduce drugs into the school. His targets were the weaker students, ones who could not easily defend themselves or who could be persuaded to sample the wares."
Kirika frowned, "Force one to take the drugs, some would do so eventually and become hooked." Gina sighed, "Or given tablets that looked innocent enough. Just like Irena and Nina." Randy nodded, "Then before anyone is the wiser you have got a small but growing group of drug users and those not partaking would eventually be pressured by their peers to do so. Carl Ellis would likely have been the distributor and the collector. Either the user pays up or gets beaten to a pulp and is found out or pay up and hope your parents don't find out for a while. The death threats are likely the result of our interference. Irena and Nina were included because they are considered a threat in the mind of Mr. Brain."
Mireille interrupted, "Irena and Nina would be targeted, because both have the skills to defend themselves and they are already a focal point in the school. Injure one or both and their classmates would try to find someone else whether it is good or bad for protection."
Gina frowned, "And the bad would have likely meant Carl Ellis."
Jill sighed, "What now?" Randy setting the coffee cup on the table replied, "Your husband is about to or has already woken up the Chief Magistrate to get warrants in hand. He is going to request no-knock warrants meaning the raid team goes in hot. We are doing the raid during daylight so as not to miss anything or anyone."
Mireille smiled, "So you want some company?" Randy nodded, "Yes. Phil asked that you and Kirika tag along with me. Phil is going on the raid as well. With Christmas commitments the county is running short on manpower and he wants the extra hands. Both of you are still under oath as far as he and I are concerned."
Jill turned to Mireille, "So Phil did deputize you!" Mireille replied, "Yes he did. The night we rescued Ashley," as Gina took a sip of coffee she replied "The injuries that Darrell Frazier sustained were a direct result of encountering Noir, namely Kirika herself did most of the work. Mireille added her own touch."
Standing up from the table, Randy looked at the wall clock, "Ok. Everyone try to get some sleep. Jill you will stay with the kids and Gina till the raid is over with. Hopefully by this afternoon you will be able to go back home and be with Phil. Gina if you would get me up by 11 AM, the raid goes down at noon and I am not going to miss it."
Wednesday, December 21st 1145 hours, Fairburn Residence, North Hall County
Randy reviewed the background of the suspect, Chad Fairburn. Age 18, a senior in the high school attended by his children and where his wife Gina was a teacher along with Jill Nagel. Nothing abnormal noted in behavior, very minor infractions at the most but Chad's name kept coming up in conversations with the numerous snitches that had been canvassed by many nameless officers; some who had come in on their time off to work the case.
Corey had been with Randy in the garage as he loaded the trunk of the Ford Crown Victoria with weapons. Randy had assured Corey that nothing that he or his step-sisters and sister had done was the root cause. Corey watched as Randy and Noir drove off, still pondering the implications of the much larger picture.
Randy Baldwin with Mireille and Kirika had taken positions to the rear of the house while Sheriff Nagel took the front along with other deputies. Mireille recalled the Colorado school shootings at Columbine High School where so many had needlessly died. Discussing it with Randy, Mireille learned the issue of violence in schools was a high priority and since that incident, many young students had come to find themselves in trouble after making idle threats. Chad Fairburn had gone so far as to acquire a high powered rifle from illicit sources. So he was now the hunted.
Whoever had overheard the threats had believed Chad Fairburn and had in a round about way notified authorities. What ever plans Chad Fairburn had been going to carry out was about to end.
Chad Fairburn had sneaked the rifle into the house, Sunday night. His parents vacationing in the Caribbean had not discovered the rifle before they had left. Chad grinned as he flicked the bolt action open and slammed it home on an empty chamber, the smooth action of the rifle's craftsmen evident. Setting the rifle back down on his bed, he turned and left his bedroom and walked down the stairs, it was 12 PM.
The lead deputy hit the front door precisely at 12 Noon, showering Chad Fairburn in glass just as he set foot on the main floor. The flash bang followed and when it went off a nearby decorative mirror added its glass to the floor.
At the rear of the house the kitchen door met the same fate as the front door as the battering ram wielded by Deputy Clarence Hillman went flying across the kitchen and caved in the refrigerator that began spewing ice cubes from the dispenser chute. Deputy Hillman followed by Randy Baldwin then Mireille and Kirika they spread out, with Randy kicking the swinging door which at that very moment Chad Fairburn was trying to go through.
Chad Fairburn his ears ringing and blinded stumbled towards the kitchen and tried to enter. The impact from the door hit Chad squarely in the face knocking him backwards onto the floor. Kirika rounding the corner from the dinning area found Chad trying to rise and Chad reaching out for something to support him found Kirika's right ankle and pulled.
Kirika went down, and she lowered the proverbial boom on Chad and slammed the heel of her boot onto Chad's already shattered nose adding to the damage inflicted by the door and Randy. Mireille and Randy kicking the door together again finally entered the hallway after Chad.
Chad let go of Kirika's ankle and she rolled clear and rose to a kneeling position, the terrified eyes stared at the business end of the Beretta just mere inches away when Clarence stepped past Kirika and flipped Chad hard onto his belly. The deputy who had made entry from the front handed a pair of cuffs to Clarence who yanked the arms to the back and firmly locked them into place.
Sheriff Nagel himself followed by three deputies cautiously climbed the stairs to the second floor and swept the remaining rooms. Leaving the deputies upstairs, Phil descended the stairs and entered the dinning area where Chad Fairburn had been taken.
Mireille perused the dinning area, the various photographs on the walls showing happier times. Behind her in the kitchen, the battered refrigerator spat out its last ice cube but continued to grind away. Sheriff Phil Nagel nodded to Randy and pulled a chair out then sat next to Chad Fairburn, "Mr. Chad Fairburn, I am Sheriff Phil Nagel with the Hall County Sheriffs Department. I have warrants for your arrest and to search this home which includes seizing all electronic devices such as computers as well as to search any and all vehicles currently parked on this property. We have strong reason to believe that you are in possession of an illicitly obtained firearm and that you had made threats to take the lives of namely Mr. Randy Maynard Baldwin a reserve Deputy with the Hall County Sheriffs Department, his wife Gina and his adoptive daughters Irena and Nina Baldwin and the threat of taking the life of my own wife, Jill Nagel. Now Mr. Fairburn, can you tell me where the hell are your parents?"
Wednesday, December 21st, 1400 hours, Fairburn Residence, North Hall County
Randy Baldwin closed the cell phone then turned to watch as the ambulance bearing Chad Fairburn followed by two sheriffs units drove away. A family friend of the Fairburn's who was an attorney had been summoned by a long distance phone call from Chad's father whose cruise ship was in Barbados. The attorney standing next to Randy Baldwin sighed, "I gather you are not going to lessen the charges?"
Randy about to reply was interrupted by Kirika Yumura who handed Randy a printout then turned and walked away. Reading it, then giving it to the attorney Randy finally replied, "Hell no." The attorney looking at the printout cursed under his breath, "I suppose not."
Randy left the attorney and headed for the command post, a large RV like vehicle where he joined Sheriff Nagel and Noir. Phil looked up at Randy as he entered, "The counselor get the printout?" Randy smiled, "Yes he did Phil. Chad's goose is going to be cooked rather well."
To the rear of the command post, a crime scene tech carefully wrapped the rifle with protective packaging and sealed the weapon within a transport container. The high powered rifle taken during a burglary of a gun store three months earlier which resulted in the death of a police officer became even more crucial. Chad Fairburn's problems were just beginning; he would be asked who provided him the rifle. If he refused, he would be charged as an accessory to murder in the officer's death.
The figure of Deputy Clarence Hillman entered the command post and satisfied no one outside could see his face he finally removed the stocking mask and plopped his large frame on a nearby bench seat, "Phil, the mess has been cleaned up in the house. I got that ice dispenser shut off too." Phil turned and nodded, "Find anything else?" Clarence shook his head no, "Nothing else much interesting. Chad's father does have a gun safe but it locked and secure and the thing is bolted to the floor so it can not be removed. We can serve another warrant later if you want to look inside."
Sheriff Nagel mused a moment then replied, "I doubt Chad's father allowed him access to the safe. If something comes up, we can comeback later." Standing and gathering the reports from the deputies involved in the raid, Sheriff Nagel turned to Randy Baldwin "I think we are done. I want to get my wife and go home." Randy following Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura turned and replied, "I am sure she would appreciate that. See you back at my house."
Thursday, December 22nd 0930 hours, Gainesville, Georgia
The litany of charges read by the presiding magistrate took him 15 minutes to read, as a bruised and bandaged Chad Fairburn stood at the podium shivering. Chad's parents having flown from Barbados sat on a nearby bench listening in shock as the charges were read. The motion for bail was denied, and Chad would be spending Christmas and New Years behind bars. Two deputies standing by acknowledged Randy Baldwin as he stepped out of the court room. The deputies would be taking Chad Fairburn to the Gwinnett County Jail for incarceration, as Sheriff Nagel's own wife having been an alleged target there would be no improprieties on the part of Hall County. The last sound Randy heard before the door closed was the gavel as the magistrate adjourned the hearing.
Stopping briefly at the court clerk's office, he wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year then headed to the Mustang.
Driving over to the Sheriff's Department, Randy entered the building and paid a visit to Sheriff Nagel. Accepting a cup of coffee, Randy sat down across from Phil.
Phil looked up briefly asking how things went. Randy sat back in the chair replied, "As expected, no bond. Chad was bound over to Superior Court for trial. I heard you were having him lodged down at Gwinnett."
Phil nodded, "For his protection of course. Chad's personal computer is revealing a whole bunch of information, and it took our techs to a website he created. Spooky to say the least, here let me show you."
Phil typed in a web address then turned the monitor around for Randy to see, "Names. You and your family are amongst them as is my wife. The additional names are students also attending the high school and some other teachers as well. The icing on the cake was that Chad put the names of his little gang on the web. They used the site to exchange e-mails among other things. I have got deputies running the remaining members down now, there were six others mentioned."
Randy mused a moment, "Chad's father gun safe?" Phil frowned, "Yeah the same thought crossed my mind as well, so I requested another search warrant and had it executed at 7 AM this morning. Chad's father claimed that his son did not know the combination and that he changed it regularly. One thing he forgot was the key that by-passed the combination system. A deputy found a key taped to the underside of a Chester drawer in Chad's room. The deputy confirmed it worked by opening the gun safe in the presence of the parents. Fortunately no weapons are missing. We have for the time being removed all the weapons for safe keeping. God only knows if Chad made more than one key and gave them to someone else for later use. Anyone opening the safe now will find an empty shell. I had everything removed including ammunition."
Randy thanked Phil for the update and departed the Sheriffs Department and drove off towards town. He had another stop to make.
Thursday, December 22nd 1400 hours, Baldwin Farm, Hall County Georgia
Randy's private line ringing in the study interrupted the gathering in the sitting room as the twins and Ashley who were practicing paused in their play while their mother went to answer the phone. Mireille Bouquet had been cajoled into singing much to the enjoyment of Gina and Kirika. Randy who was still in Gainesville was missing the sing-a-long.
Gina Baldwin answered the phone and then sat in the desk chair in disbelief, "If this is a practical joke neither I nor my husband appreciate it." The voice coming over the phone replied, "Mrs. Baldwin, I can assure you that this is no joke. This is the White House switchboard. Please wait while I connect you with the calling party."
Friday, December 23rd, 1000 hours, Fox Theater, Atlanta, Georgia
Two days before Christmas as Randy reflected back to the phone call from Gina. Walking across the stage of the magnificent grand dame of a theater, he looked downward at the orchestra and piano pits, then upward towards the seats of the theater itself.
The sound of hydraulics interrupted his musing, as a Yamaha Grand Piano raised into view the white finish glistening in the house lights. The request for the Command Performance had come directly from the White House. The President of the United States would be stopping over in Atlanta to view the performance while on his way to his ranch in Texas.
Turning back towards the center of the stage, Randy eyed the placement of the seats for the twins. The microphone stands also in place but empty of their wireless microphones stood arrayed where Gina and Corey would stand. Ashley entering from the right of the stage approached her step-father, "Dad. You need to check on Mom."
Gina Baldwin, two months pregnant with twins sat in a chair off stage. It had been bad enough during the previous performance, but she had continued on through not wanting to disappoint the children. Now this performance was likely not going to happen, at least with her participation.
Randy hurried off stage and found Gina looking worse for wear, "Gina? Not feeling well?" Gina now nauseated nodded, "I have the will, but my stomach says otherwise."
Gina had started craving certain things, and instead of the infamous pickle and ice cream combinations it had been mustard and chocolate bars. The first time it had happened, Randy had cleaned out the local BP gas station of its entire supply of Hershey chocolate bars and bought every single container of mustard it had, much to the bemusement of the store clerk as Randy made the said purchase at 2 AM in the morning.
Gina looked at Randy, "Honey there is no way I can perform in this condition. We are going to have to find another singer." Randy nodded and smiled, "Obviously it has to be someone who is a quick learner and one who already has heard the performance."
Gina and Randy turned and looked at Mireille Bouquet who was walking towards them saw the looks on their faces and wondered just what she had strolled into.
Mireille, who kept backing away from Randy Baldwin waving her hands in front of her "Absolutely not. I can not replace her." Randy kept advancing, "Mireille? Gina is not going to be able to sing. I need a soprano to be opposite of Corey. You have heard the performance, and Gina knows you can sing rather well since you did that little sing-a-long at the house yesterday."
Kirika standing in the path of Mireille held out her hands and stopped Mireille from backing away any further, "Mireille perhaps it would be enjoyable for all." Mireille trapped between Randy Baldwin and Kirika Yumura sighed, "Very well. I will do it. What do I need to do and where do I need to stand."
Randy smiling and winking at Kirika "Come this way Mireille…"
The theater manger was given the last minute change of those performing in the show and he hurried off to notify the printer who was holding off printing the show programs. The final change included the name of a guest performer from Paris, France, Mireille Bouquet singing Soprano.
Friday, December 23rd, 1600 hours, The White House, Washington D.C.
Tabitha Alexander having finished the rare briefing stood to leave the Oval Office but was asked briefly to stay behind, "Tabitha?" as she turned to the President, "Yes Mr. President?" The President stood and walked around his desk, "You have a daughter in Atlanta?" Tabitha smiled, "Yes I do sir." The President smiled and retrieved an envelope from his desk, "Here is a little something you and your daughter might enjoy."
Tabitha opened the envelope and eyed the tickets, "Sir thank you, it would be an honor to attend." The President turned back to the desk and picked up a copy of the program that had been faxed to the White House, "Oh yes, I thought you might like to know who was performing." Tabitha thanked the President again and turned to leave, but paused at the door staring at the program. Turning back to the President, Tabitha Alexander somewhat in shock, "Mr. President? The Baldwin's?" The President of the United States smiled and nodded, "Yes. The very same twin girls ain't that a hoot. Take a look who is singing Soprano." Tabitha flipped to the second page and stared at the name, "Mr. President?" The President turned back to his desk, "Good day Director, I will see you onboard Air Force One at noon tomorrow."
Saturday December 24th 1215 hours, The Varsity, Atlanta, Georgia.
Randy eyed Gina as she slathered the hot dog in mustard, relish and onions then proceeded to devour it as she had done with the previous four. Corey and Ashley sitting across from their mother tried their best not to show how they felt about her new eating habits. Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura slowing eating their pair of hot dogs watched as number six joined number five.
Sheriff Phil Nagel and his wife Jill sitting across from the group looked on humorously with Jill commenting, "Gina do we need to order any to go?" Gina unable to contain the loud burp replied, "Maybe just two."
Tabitha Alexander gazing out the window of Air Force One mused over the most unlikely group of performers ever assembled for a Presidential Command Performance.
Two former assassin candidates, no more than young teenagers adopted by a man who once worked for her. Both highly gifted violin players and when paired with the step-daughter of Randy Baldwin, Ashley, the group had become a sensation in Georgia. Gina Baldwin would not be singing and instead in her place none other than one half of Noir, Mireille Bouquet. Tabitha was sure that Kirika Yumura was likely with her.
Saturday December 24th 1445 hours, Fox Theater, Atlanta, Georgia
Randy ensured that everyone had arrived early. The same drummers who had performed in Gainesville with Ashley and the twins would be performing with them. Randy having changed into the tuxedo after arriving at the Fox, watched Sheriff Phil Nagel reach for his collar and try to loosen it, only to be whacked on his hand by his wife Jill. The two had front row seats as did several others including the parents of the drummers.
Within two hours of the announcement of the performance all available tickets had been sold. All profits would go to various charities and none would go to political campaigns, as Randy had insisted. The White House had agreed to the request. In addition to the live performance which was receiving special attention, it would be broadcast live over Public Television Networks without commercial interruption. Someone had pulled out the stops as there was a professional recording crew in place. Both video and CD recordings of the performance would be made and after the broadcast which would air in its entirety later in the evening, pre-orders would be accepted from the viewers of Public Television from around the nation. The profits would benefit Public Television and many charities in other states besides Georgia.
The Secret Service Agent approached Randy and spoke briefly then departed. Randy took a breath and entered the stage the curtain closed before him. Mireille Bouquet at her position watched as Randy took his mark on the stage and closed her eyes in preparation.
Turning to his right Randy nodded, and the curtain rose…
"I am Randy Maynard Baldwin, Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. President and First Lady, welcome to a special command performance of Christmas songs and music originally performed one week ago in Gainesville, Georgia. Allow me to introduce you to the performers…"
Saturday December 24th 2200 hours, Baldwin Farm, Hall County, Georgia
Randy mused had they accepted all of the flowers from the well wishers they would not have been able to even get into the house, much less find containers for all of them. Instead Randy requested that the flowers be sent to as many local hospitals as possible. Twenty-Four van loads left the Fox on their distribution missions.
The highlight for the event was afterward, the private audience with the President and First Lady. Tabitha Alexander who stood outside with Randy rather nervously waiting for the meet and greet to end sighed with relief when the President and First Lady appeared unharmed and followed by Mireille Bouquet and the twins with Corey and Ashley tailing behind. Tabitha turned to Randy after their appearance, "Randy are you trying to give me an ulcer?"
Randy standing next to Gina who had sat with the Nagel's turned to her, "Not exactly. But you have got to admit, the performance was rather good don't you think?" Tabitha coming up one short in her own count turned around, "Where was Kirika during this?"
Randy smiled and pointed, "In the private box with him as his guest." Tabitha turned around and looked at who Randy was pointing at, "She was with the President? The entire time?" Randy smiled and nodded, "Yes she was, at his invitation I might add."
Kirika Yumura coming from a nearby hallway encountered Tabitha and Randy, her red dress though modest left Tabitha nearly speechless, "Ms. Yumura? You were with the President?" Kirika smiled and bowed slightly, "Yes I was Director, the performance was quit enjoyable." Randy seeing Tabitha scrutinizing Kirika's dress, "Tabitha, now you know the rules no weapons except for the Secret Service. Just where do you think Kirika was going to carry her Beretta? In her purse? The magazine will not even fit in there." Tabitha seemed to blush, shaking her head in wonder of it all walked away.
The revelation of Mireille Bouquet's ability to sing had been the surprise for Tabitha Alexander. Randy mused that once Mireille decided to retire from Noir she could have a pretty good singing career. Randy had been wise to monitor the filming and had directed that no direct shots of Mireille be filmed, since she desired no publicity. The final cut of the video would be sent to his home for approval before production. As for the music CD, it listed Mireille briefly by name only, the photographic cover a distant shot taken during the live performance.
Sunday, December 25th 0600 hours, Baldwin Farm, Hall County, Georgia
Kirby eyed the contraption as it moved about the floor of the study, the programmable robot a gift from Kirika and Mireille to Randy. Crabby was somewhere under the pile of discarded wrapping paper tunneling through while playing with discarded ribbons. Leave it to a cat to ignore a 10 dollar toy and to have fun with a five cent piece of ribbon.
Gina held up the necklace, there were two vacant spaces in the pendant attached to it. Two birth stones yet to be added. Turning and hugging her husband tearfully, Gina pulled it back and tucked it beneath her night gown.
With the gifts all finally open, Randy gathered the group together and with the Grand Piano in the background he set the timer on the camera and joined them. Repeating the process several times, Randy satisfied that he had captured the moment put the camera away.
The remainder of the day was spent cleaning up and for Mireille and Kirika they had to pack.
Monday, December 26th 0900 hours, Peachtree-Dekalb Airport, Chamblee, Georgia
The brisk wind and cold air kept Gina inside the parked Suburban, as she watched Randy carry the luggage and gifts to the waiting French registered Gulfstream. Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura had embraced Gina as she sat in the seat bidding her farewell. The children standing next to the boarding stairs each gave their own hugs, the twins Irena and Nina tightly more so.
Walking back with Randy, the children turned one last time to look as the Gulfstream power plants spooled up and the aircraft moved off toward the runway. The pilot waving at the children as he passed received return waves.
Randy gathered the children together and had them get into the Suburban. Getting into the drivers seat, Randy paused briefly and watched as the Gulfstream zipped past down the runway towards France, then put the Suburban in drive. Turning to his wife, "Let's go home."
Fini.
May all the readers have a wonderful and happy New Year.
Steve Edward
Atlanta, Georgia
December 28, 2004
Time Line:
This story takes place nearly five years after events chronicled in the original NOIR episode "Birth". The author's story line "Associations" initially took place about six months after "Birth" and then after the initial encounter between Mireille Bouquet, Kirika Yumura and Randy Baldwin goes forward about 4 years later.
The author's story line "Secrets" takes places about 8 months after "Associations". The story line, "The Forgotten" takes place about two months after "Secrets". In "Revelations" the story line takes place about 5 months after events chronicled in "The Forgotten."
Characters:
With the exception of Mireille Bouquet, Kirika Yumura the remaining characters are of my own and any resemblances to persons live or dead is entirely and purely coincidental.
Continuing to develop the twins, Irena and Nina who were introduced in "The Forgotten", these former candidates who had been training to become assassins to replace NOIR, now live in relative peace in a North Georgia rural community and attend the high school where their step-mother teaches and their step-brother and step-sister, Corey and Ashley attend.
Their step-father Randy Baldwin has to report anything unusual that may occur since both young girls had been exposed to drugs that had altered their personalities. For Randy it has been a delicate balancing act.
Geography:
Place names within the story line are real. The "Fabulous Fox" which nearly became the site of an office building over 30 years ago still stands today, testament to the tenacity of a city that loved the theater. The elevator like piano and orchestra pits do function as described.
The Mall of Georgia, located off of Interstate 85 in Gwinnett County is considered one of the largest shopping facilities in the southeastern United States. It is only a few miles from the Hall County border line.
It is not the first time that NOIR has visited the Varsity in Atlanta. Chronicled during "Secrets", Mireille and Kirika while playing tourist and stop off for a bite to eat at the famed eatery. Kirika has apparently developed a taste for the Varsity's famed chili-dog.
Peachtree- Dekalb Airport, Dekalb County, Chamblee, Georgia
Located on the Northeastern side of metropolitan Atlanta, the airfield the former site of a United States Naval Airstation Training Facility is ranked number 2 in terms of landings and take-offs behind that of the massive Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Georgia.
It is the setting for where Randy Maynard Baldwin keeps his Gulfstream V when it is not being flown and where Noir has arrived and departed from Georgia avoiding the much more strict security rules in place at the much larger Hartsfield-Jackson.
NOIR
Cast of Characters
Revelations
By Steve Edward
Randy Maynard Baldwin – Retired Central Intelligence Agency
Randy, age 50. Birth month of June is 6 foot 2 inches and a trim 180 pounds with steel grey eyes and mix of grey in his brown hair. Retired from the Central Intelligence Agency when he was 45, specialist in economics and banking; side specialty weapons, marital arts, explosives, infiltration and when the need a rose killing. His first encounter with Mireille and Kirika had been in the Middle East, five years earlier. Present day career was freelance consulting mainly in security work involving financial situations. He lives in northern Georgia, in Hall County with his wife Gina, her two children Corey and Ashley and the twins Irena and Nina.
Mireille Bouquet – Blond haired Corsican beauty with steel blue eyes, current age is 26. Mireille's weapon of choice is the Walther P-99 9MM handgun; with 16 round magazine and 1 in the chamber. She is one half of NOIR.
Kirika Yumura – Slight in stature, of Asian descent, current age 25. Kirika's weapon of choice is the M1934 Beretta with 7 round magazine and 1 in the chamber. She is the other half of NOIR and is considered by Randy to be the most dangerous woman he had ever encountered.
Gina Baldwin – Birth month July. The former Gina Frazier age 45 is now the wife of Randy Maynard Baldwin, age 50.
First meets her husband in October of last year, during a hiking trip with her two children; Corey now age 13 and Ashley now age 14. The meeting chronicled during the storyline "Associations", eventually leads both Randy and Gina to marry in mid-June after a visit by Noir in mid-April to Georgia chronicled in "Secrets". She soon reveals that she pregnant to her husband in an unusual fashion.
Corey Baldwin – Birth month, May. The former Corey Frazier age now age 13 is the step-son to Randy Maynard Baldwin. Now in high school with his older sister Ashley, Corey's favorite activities includes soccer, fishing and picking up martial arts from his new dad. A gifted vocalist he performs with the twins and his sister in charity events and school musical performances.
Ashley Baldwin – Birth month, June. The former Ashley Frazier now age 14 is step-daughter to Randy Maynard Baldwin. Ashley who entered the 9th grade of High School in this school year is an accomplished pianist. Ashley becomes close to both Irena and Nina and together the trio performs together and accompanied by Corey singing vocals the Baldwin children have performed in several school performances and events for charity in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Tabitha Alexander – Director United States Intelligence Agency –
Red hair and green eyed. First female director of the Intelligence Agency and Randy's former boss had grilled Randy upon his return from last and final mission he had performed five years earlier regarding events surrounding encounter with Noir. Nick name is Tabby. She is a member of the Soldats, whose activities are not controlled by any government. She would wield considerable influence during events chronicled in the author's storyline "The Forgotten" when Randy Baldwin opted to adopt the twins into his family. Though done with reservations Tabitha agrees but with certain conditions and smoothes over any problems.
Irena Baldwin– Age 14, birth month May. Adopted by Randy and Gina Baldwin in France, Irena originally a candidate for another pair of Noir becomes their step-daughter after Randy Baldwin intercedes to stop the ritual from taking place as chronicled in the authors story "The Forgotten". Among her talents is the ability to play the violin along with her twin sister Nina. Gifted with numerous languages as well she along with her twin Nina has become inseparable from Corey and Ashley Baldwin.
Nina – Age 14, birth month May. Adopted by Randy and Gina Baldwin in France, Nina originally a candidate for another pair of Noir becomes their step-daughter after Randy Baldwin intercedes to stop the ritual from taking place as chronicled in the authors story "The Forgotten". Among her talents is the ability to play the violin along with her twin sister Irena. Gifted with numerous languages as well she along with her twin Irena has become inseparable from Corey and Ashley Baldwin.
Sheriff Phil Nagel – Hall County Sheriff
Longtime childhood friend of Randy Baldwin, Sheriff Phil Nagel is one of the few that knows of Noir outside of those select few in the US Government. His encounter with Noir was first chronicled in the author's storyline "Associations".
Jill Nagel – Wife of Sheriff Phil Nagle
She is fellow school teacher and friend of Gina Baldwin, and has no inkling of Noir or the true origins of Irena and Nina Baldwin. As a gymnastics instructor, Jill discovers the abilities of both Irena and Nina and soon both are in her high school gym class. Jill who practices the martial arts as well soon finds out just how good both are when the twins come to the aid of their step-brother who is being assaulted by a local school bully. Jill suspicious of the twins soon finds out about their true origins after being told by Gina Baldwin at the behest of Mireille Bouquet.
Donald Ellis – Father of Carl Ellis
The old saying like father like son, applied to Donald Ellis when it came to his son Carl. Donald a high school bully when younger had failed miserably to be a good father. Divorced and with sole custody of Carl, Donald had let his son do just about what he pleased. A constant trouble maker, Carl meets his match in the form of Irena and Nina Baldwin who with their step-sister Ashley stepped in to prevent Carl from assaulting Corey Baldwin; their step-brother and brother. Donald attempts to provoke Gina Baldwin during an encounter in a high school hallway but like his son ends up not only at the hospital but jail after Jill Nagel takes him on. The incident witnessed by two sheriff deputies and Randy Baldwin causes the judge to drop all charges against the Baldwin sisters after reviewing security video of both incidents.
Deputies Allen Winters and Sandra Collins – Hall County Sheriff Department
Investigating officers in the Ellis and Baldwin high school fight. They end up investigating another fight this time between Gina Baldwin and Donald Ellis who provoked the incident. Witnessing the diminutive Jill Nagel all 4 foot 9 inches of her take down a 6 foot 3 inch Ellis the deputies arrest and charge Ellis with assault.
Principal Andrew Bell – Head of High School
Bell an educator with 25 years of experience is in charge of the high school attended by the Baldwin children and where Gina Baldwin is also a teacher.
Craig Seth – Petty criminal
A petty criminal by trade, he encounters Noir in a Mall of Georgia parking lot. He is lucky he survives.
Clarence Hillman – Undercover Sheriff Department Deputy
Assists Randy Baldwin and Sheriff Phil Nagel in find those responsible for the death threats made against their respective families. African-American height 6 foot 3 inches, age 36 and married with two children, Clarence knows the stakes.
Chad Fairburn – The so called Mr. Brain of the school gang
Chad age 18 and a senior at the school attended by the Baldwin children had used Carl Ellis as his muscle. Chad had become involved in drugs, not as a user but as a distributor. Trying to use Carl as a way of introducing drugs into the high school, Chad frustrated at the interference of the Baldwin children and having no inkling about the true background of the adopted twins runs afoul of Randy Baldwin and Noir after he is overhead making plans for killing the twins and Sheriff Nagel's wife Jill along with Gina and Randy Baldwin. The person who alerted the authorities to the plans their identity remained unknown, even after the arrest of Fairburn.