NOIR

Chapter Three

Of High Regard

By Steve Edward

Thursday, September 7th 1300 hours, Sheraton Hotel, Gwinnett County

The two men belonging to Zack Milan's entourage looked at the van in disbelief as it drove boldly past them. The brief glimpse of the driver was enough for them to get back into their car and set off after it.

Entering the highway, Mireille floored it and headed north out of the congested city area leading the car away. A few moments later, more men came running out of the hotel and Zack Milan getting into the rear passenger seat of a Cadillac roared out of the parking lot.

Ten minutes later, the conversion van crossed the county line into Hall County and picked up even more speed. The back country two lane roads where the posted speed limit was 55 MPH, the van passed 80 MPH.

Slowing rapidly near an intersection forcing the pursuing car to nearly crash into the rear of the van, Mireille turned left. The prominent dead end sign at the roadway head caused the men to slow and to wait. The gaggle of cars arriving joined the lead car as they continued after the van.

Zack Milan looked about as they drove down the road, no houses to be seen he ordered the driver to speed up.

The van had turned around and was facing the cars coming towards it. As they stopped pulling side by side, Zack Milan impatient threw open his door and walked to the lead car and called out, "Joyce! Be reasonable. Enough of the games, lets go back to New York."

The drivers door slowly opened and Zack took a step forward but stopped as the woman exiting the van removed the wig she was wearing and spoke, "Sorry but I am not Joyce and the answer is no." The mechanical actions being slammed home from all sides punctuated the word 'no'.

Sheriff Phil Nagel yelled out, "Hall County Sheriffs Department! Do not move!" Zack spoke directly at Mireille, "You bitch!" and reached for his waist ban. The snarling of a dog came to his ears then the animal slammed into him. The others with him shifting slightly stopped when they all saw the number of deputies coming out of the wood line.

Trying to keep his hands away from his body Zack Milan began yelling "Call it off! Call it off! As Gregor bared his fangs and lunged for Zack's throat. Randy rushed out and grabbed Gregor's harness and tied what was left of the leash back onto the harness. Kirika Yumura joining Randy looked down at Zack Milan, her Beretta ready to fire.

Keeping Gregor back, Randy calmed the dog down as Mireille approached Zack Milan on the ground. Mireille knelt down and felt for the gun and finding it removed it then spoke, "What did you call me?" Zack about to try spitting in Mireille's face never got the opportunity as she took the revolver she had just removed and brought it down across his forehead. Sheriff Phil Nagel heard the impact and turned around to look briefly then walked away, shaking his head.

Thursday, September 7th 1600 hours, Hall County Jail, Gainesville, Georgia

ADA Hiram Grey viewed Zack Milan with his bandaged forehead through the one-way mirror with Randy Baldwin, "No shots fired, a very nice and quiet take down. I am impressed." Sheriff Nagel spoke, "My men and women train hard not to have to use deadly force. Mr. Milan got stupid, so he got cracked on the head. Minimal force used."

Hiram replied, "I am sure that will be in the arrest report?" Phil smiled, "But of course."

Excusing himself, Hiram left the room and with US Marshals entered the interrogation room. Hiram removed from his briefcase several sheets of paper and spoke, "Mr. Zack Milan, I am US Assistant District Attorney Hiram Grey, I have in my possession Federal Arrest Warrants for your arrest, the charges are as follows…" Randy reaching for the speaker turned it off.

Randy watched the proceedings continue in silence, then spoke "Did we get lucky and get everyone?" Phil replied, "Yes we did. It will take a ballistics test to make a match on the handgun, but we were rather careful with his associates when we searched them. One had a Smith and Wesson 9 MM modified for a silencer, but they found his prints on the door of the truck. Gwinnett County just picked that bad ass up and are on their way to their jail with him."

Thursday, September 7th 1800 hours, Baldwin Farm, Lula, Hall County, Georgia

The voice of Dora Marino coming over the speaker phone in Randy's study did not sound all that elderly, but she had given her age as 74. "Mr. Baldwin, I can assume that I will meet you in person tomorrow?" Randy replied, "Yes you will. Your grand-daughter and great-grand-daughter will be flown in on my private aircraft. I can assume you have 'protection' at your abode?"

Dora seemingly to laugh at that comment replied, "Yes I do. They are rather doting on me." Randy raised an eyebrow and replied, "We will be driving a blue Hummer when we arrive. Would you advise them of that? I do not want to alarm anyone when I arrive." Dora replied that she would and wished everyone a safe flight and disconnected.

Mireille spoke, "We leave Atlanta at 9 AM?" Randy nodded, "That will put us outside the commercial air traffic rush, which will put us on the ground in Phoenix around 10:30 or so local time there. Dora has invited us to stay for lunch so we'll stay there and return in the afternoon.

Joyce Milan holding her daughters hand spoke, "Mr. Baldwin? I do not know how to thank you for your generosity and kindness. The risks everyone took will not be forgotten." Randy spoke, "You need to thank Mireille and Kirika the most. They took the biggest getting you out from under Zack's control."

Friday, September 8th 1045 hours, Phoenix International Airport, Arizona

Lisa Mead locked the hatch shut and joined the pilots gathered at the blades of the number four engine, "So guys, how did you like flying BFII?" Ian White replied, "Certainly handles differently than the simulator at Lockheed leads one to believe." Daniel Winters spoke, "You have tinkered with the avionics." Kay replied, "No tinkering. We've flown it so much that the plane knows when it is being flown by a ham-fisted man pilot." Daniel replied, "What do you mean I am ham-fisted?"

Friday, September 8th 1200 hours, El Dora Ranch, Arizona

The Hummer came to a stop at the gate, which silently opened. Driving through, Randy saw the friendly wave of the guard as he pressed the closer button. No weapons evident on him; Randy wondered if it was for the benefit of Joyce and Zetta. Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura did not miss it either. Kirika spoke "Unarmed?"

Pulling to a stop at the main entrance, two men approached then opened the doors of the Hummer. One of them spoke to Randy, "You may leave your vehicle here. Please come this way. Dora is expecting you."

Entering the surprising cool interior, the Southwestern architecture reflecting the surroundings of where the home had been built was subtle and pleasing to the eyes. There were no 'loud' colors clamoring for attention. Each color added its own unique mix to the peaceful surroundings.

The woman standing on the veranda turned as her guests arrived and spreading out her arms, she took in Zetta and hugged her tightly. Rising up, she then took Joyce into her arms and hugged her tightly as well. Randy did not miss the tears streaming down her face, as neither did Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura. Dora wiping the tears away called out to someone not visible, "Pasco release it please." A puppy scurried into view and into the arms of Zetta who cried out in delight.

Dora watching her great-grand-daughter enjoyment spoke to Joyce, "Joyce, please be a dear and stay with Zetta. There are some things I need to discuss with our guests." Turning and entering the house, Dora lead them to a comfortably outfitted sitting room then calling out to a servant to bring refreshments she closed the door.

Dora Marino sitting in a chair across from Randy Baldwin and Noir spoke, "I have made the payment to your specified account Ms. Bouquet, and I do hope it is suitable?" Mireille replied, "It is the agreed amount."

Dora turned her attention to Randy. "Mr. Baldwin, I am at a loss on how to repay you. However I noted that your Foundation is non-profit. I believe this should cover any expenses incurred, especially since you flew a C130-J cargo aircraft to bring Joyce and Zetta here."

Randy briefly looked at the check then laid it on a nearby table, "Mrs. Marino that will more than cover things." Dora spoke, "I am assuming you have questions as to why I asked Noir to take the actions they did?" Mireille Bouquet replied, "The thought has crossed my mind."

Dora replied, "I could not risk asking the Federal Authorities. They might have reacted in a way to have put Joyce and Zetta in grave danger. I felt that it required a more delicate approach. Perhaps this will explain things to Noir and you as well Mr. Baldwin. I am sure that you have seen the symbol before?"

Mireille spoke, "You are a Soldat," as Dora displayed the necklace. Dora nodded then replied, "Yes. Life long," as Randy Baldwin replied, "Then you have no idea of Peter's true background?"

Dora holding up her hand acknowledged the knock on the door and waited for the servant to deliver the refreshments continued after she left.

"Mr. Baldwin, if you are referring to Peter's undercover work as a Federal Agent, yes I knew all too well of the double life he was leading. The Soldat's considered his actions to be of high regard."

Mireille Bouquet spoke, "Then if you knew, why did you not inform us of that? There were considerable problems after retrieving Joyce and Zetta."

Dora sipping her tea replied, "It had not been anticipated that Zack's actions would bring in the Federal authorities. In retrospect I should have been more forthcoming with all of you."

Randy spoke, "Speaking of Federal authorities, Zack's actions have raised interest in the various businesses that he temporarily ran. It may put Joyce into a difficult position of having to answer for his reckless operations."

Dora smiled and replied, "I am aware that she has been cooperating with the authorities in that matter. She will not be penalized nor punished for his actions conducted in her absence. Since she is now free to return to New York to resume control of the family businesses, Joyce will do so on her own terms which I will help her carry out from this point forward."

Randy Baldwin studied Dora for a moment pondering that statement, but declining to discuss what else he had on his mind he rose from his chair and excused himself from further talks leaving Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura alone with Dora Marino.

Mireille Bouquet spoke, "You have to excuse him. Mr. Baldwin is not all that familiar with certain things in a syndicate family." Dora replied, "He is still perhaps uncomfortable with such things. The Soldats view of Mr. Baldwin's previous actions is of grudging admiration. His actions in various incidents have been studied extensively. It had been originally proposed that he and his Foundation were to have been contacted in this matter; but others decided that Noir was more suitable."

Mireille and Kirika finishing their discussions rejoined Joyce Milan and her daughter Zetta. Looking about for Randy Baldwin, a servant advised the two women that their male companion had gone outside. Kirika Yumura stepping out to the veranda, viewed the surroundings of El Dora and found Randy Baldwin perched upon the fence of a corral. Before him stood a stallion, its black coat glistening in the afternoon sun, the creature was in an apparent face off with a bemused Baldwin.

Dora with her grand-daughters joined Kirika to view the confrontation between man and animal. Dora called out to a servant, "Pasco. Please go warn Mr. Baldwin, of the stallions' temperament. He could become injured should Mortimer charge him." Mireille watching Pasco hurry off spoke, "You make it sound as though the horse is a man-killer."

Dora Marino replied, "The horse is indeed a man-killer. The last man it trampled and killed was its former owner."

Randy Baldwin studied Mortimer closely as he could, the scars of abuse evident on its flanks and back though faded were still evident. The horse had drawn him to the corral, its unsettle pacing at the fencing as it circled the corral with the intense almost panicked trot of an animal wanting to be set free to run. Having climbed atop the fencing to watch the horse on the next pass, Mortimer had upon the next circuit of the corral had attempted to kick him as it went past. The shattered post next to him was what remained. Baldwin ignoring the wood fragments about him was looking at the horse intently eye to eye.

Pasco called out in broken English as he approached the corral, but Randy Baldwin ignored the warning and then much to consternation of those who witnessed it, stepped down into the corral then turning his back to Mortimer removed his wind breaker then the shoulder holster containing the Colt Combat Commander.

Dora turning and leaving the veranda herself hurried for the corral followed by Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura. Dora stopped at a gun case and with a key unlocked it and removed a 44-40 caliber Winchester and a box of shells. Mireille turned to Kirika, "Go on ahead and try to stop him before he kills himself."

The warning snorts were growing more frequent behind him. The stallion hooves shuffling about the corral as its nervousness grew did not alarm Randy, but served to tell him where the horse was moving to. Turning slowly back to face the animal he caught sight of Kirika at a dead run from the house. The Beretta in her right hand, its blue steel flashing and reflecting light as she ran was an ominous sign that he should have left the corral when Pasco had given the warning.

Mortimer viewed the man before him. He sensed calmness, aloofness, but no fear. Kindness in the voice as the man had spoken quietly to him. No deceit within the voice, even after his challenge the man had continued to speak softly with a friendliness that he had not heard in many years. Only the other man he recognized (Pasco) would speak to him but in a strange language that tried to convey peace, but he still always sensed fear.

Kirika jumped to the top of the fence about to enter the corral when Randy Baldwin spoke, "Kirika stay out of this and put your weapon away. That 9 MM will not even slow him down if he decides to charge me." Reaching for the Colt in the shoulder holster, Randy spoke again, "Kirika leave it as it is. Don't even think about it."

Walking towards the horse in a slow pace, he warily circled the nervous and skittish horse as it tried to follow his progress. Watching the tensing flank muscles, Randy stayed out of strike distance of the rear legs. All it would take would be one kick and Randy knew that having about 2,900 pounds of horse hitting him would be far more damaging than even being shot.

Dora Marino approaching the corral watched Randy Baldwin as he continued circling. Chambering a round into the Winchester, she was stopped by Mireille who took the rifle from her, "If it is necessary I will do it." Joyce Milan and Zetta watched as Randy made his final circle. Zetta spoke to her mother in wonder, "He is showing his love, just like he did for us." Dora did not miss the comment replied, "Lets hope Mortimer understands that Zetta."

Mortimer flinched and shuddered at the touch of the man's soft touch to his skin. He felt the hand as it passed down his side. The pauses as it passed over his old wounds, lightly touching each then continuing onward, the voice speaking confidently, then as he passed directly to the rear, his tail the hand seeming to run through each individual strand of hair then continuing onward.

Randy stopped to Mortimer's left and running his hand through the mane, he continued to the horses' broad neck then softly patting the forehead of the horse he stopped. Placing a hand on the halter he stepped towards those gathered at the fence. Mortimer snorting one last time followed docilely in his footsteps.

Dora Marino spoke, "You are only the second man to gain the confidence of that horse besides Pasco, and even he has to take caution." Randy replied as he stopped, "You should understand an animal senses and feelings. They can sense what we are displaying, or projecting whether it is fear, hate, sadness, love or even humor and they can display those as well. So tell me, how did such a magnificent animal such as he end up in your care Mrs. Marino?"

Dora Marino stepping down into the corral replied as Mortimer snickered in greeting "An animal control officer with the City of Phoenix contacted me after they had taken him into custody. His last owner had abused him badly to such an extent that Mortimer finally snapped and killed him. Mortimer gained his name, because a mortician had to give up trying to reconstruct the late owner's remains for an open casket funeral. There was also the matter that the owner's family were making demands that the animal be destroyed for what he did, but I was able to persuade them to change their minds."

Zetta during the conversation had reached out to Mortimer and was softly caressing him. The horse stepping forward to be closer, stepped between Dora and Randy. Randy seeing the young girl giving affection to the horse replied, "Make that three people Dora. Your grand-daughter seems to have been accepted."

Randy giving Mortimer one final pat on the forehead then climbed out of the corral. Retrieving the shoulder holster and his wind breaker he returned to the house alone leaving the gathered women looking after him in puzzlement. Dora spoke to Mireille, "Is your Mr. Baldwin always like that?" Mireille replied, "He can sometimes be such a pain in the butt."

Friday, September 8th 1530 hours, Phoenix International Airport, Arizona

Lisa Mead pressed the close button and observed the cycling of the loading ramp and door as the hatch and ramp came together. Checking the tie downs on the Hummer, Lisa Mead keyed her headset, "Ok Daniel, Ian. We are secure and ready to depart." Kay Milroy sitting in the jump seat with Else F. Conroy watched as Daniel Winters giving a hand signal to the airport ground crew replies came through her headset, "Roger that Lisa. Starting Number Three…"

Mireille Bouquet with Kirika Yumura sat across from Randy Baldwin, who was busy typing into a laptop as the Hercules climbed out of Phoenix, Arizona heading for Atlanta.

The afternoon lunch with Dora Marino had cumulated with Randy giving Dora a tip for a professional horse whisperer. An American Indian, who Randy had utilized on more than one occasion was somewhere in Utah dealing with another patient but would see to Mortimer's further treatment. With their assignment completed, Noir had hitched a ride on the Hercules for the trip back to Atlanta, where they would spend the weekend at the Baldwin farm.

Kirika seeing Randy close the laptop, undid her seat belt then walking over to Randy Baldwin, promptly smacked him on he back of the head, "Monsieur Baldwin, just what were you thinking? That animal could have injured you!"

Lisa Mead watching the argument keyed her headset, "Well the boss has got the ladies riled over something. That girl Kirika just smacked him really good!"

Kay Milroy watched as Daniel and Ian exchanged looks then spoke, "Well as long as she does not pull out her gun he will be fine. Give them some privacy." Daniel Winters keyed the intercom "Kay just what the heck is going on back there?" Else F. Conroy replied, "Those two sometimes push his buttons that's all. They go way back and do yourself a favor stay out of their way, especially the Asian gal. She is rather good at what she does, and could easily turn you into a pretzel."

Randy rubbing the back of his head while looking at a rather obviously steamed Kirika replied, "Well I was giving the horse some company that's what!" as Kirika not liking what she had heard swung again, but Randy blocked the hit and yanked pulling Kirika over the seat where she twisted and landed on her back nearly into his lap and with her left hand swung again where she hit Randy on the jaw.

Randy ignoring that hit shoved his hand underneath Kirika's shirt and began to tickle her sensitive spot. Mireille Bouquet watching the tussling undid her own seat belt and rose then grabbing hold of Kirika's flailing legs then removed her shoes. Kirika now pinned and trying to squirm free unable to escape the tickling from both Randy and Mireille began to laugh. Kay Milroy peering down from the cockpit returned to the jump seat and closed the door shutting out the now hysterical laughter coming from the cargo bay. Ian White looking over to Kay spoke, "Must be their way of relieving the tension."

Friday, September 8th 1900 hours, Baldwin Farm, Lula, Hall County, Georgia

Gina Baldwin set the last dish into the dishwasher then turning it on, left for the sitting room. The strains of violins and the grand piano drifting down the hallway was a practice session that the twins and Ashley were conducting. Noir, Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura were sitting on a couch sipping tea enjoying the music.

Gina Baldwin joining her husband noted that he was tapping his foot to the music's beat, "So are you enjoying yourself now?" Randy replied, "Yes I am. How about you?" as Gina nodded in return.

With the final note fading to silence, Ashley with Irena and Nina rose and bowed as Gina spoke, "Well are you three ready for your certification tests tomorrow?"

Mireille spoke, "Certifications?" Randy replied, "Yes. For Corey as well, all four have achieved third level status of black belt. Jill Nagel will conduct the fourth level certification with an additional sensei present as witness and final judge." Kirika Yumura spoke, "Then they continued while we were absent?" Ashley replied, "Yes we did Aunt Kirika. Four hours a day, every day since our return." Randy knew Kirika's own ranking of tenth degree black belt, the highest level obtainable had come with hard work and a heavy work ethic.

Nina spoke, "If you will excuse us, we have to change. Our brother has been preparing the gym in the basement." Kirika Yumura replied, "What do you mean by preparing?" Gina Baldwin spoke, "Perhaps you should see it for yourself Kirika." While the teens headed upstairs to change into their gi's, Kirika with Mireille went to the basement with Gina Baldwin and Randy.

Over their years of exposure through martial arts, more specifically karate; the Baldwin teenagers had progressed to a point where they had sought the skills of a sensei that would enforce the rigorous training. The teens pulled off the scheme and enter Kirika Yumura who with Mireille Bouquet had signed a 'contract' with Randy Baldwin to conduct teens training.

First in Japan and later in France the teens with the exception of Ashley who had progressed at her own rate, had continued their training. When the twins and Corey returned to the United States they had been through a certification program that had awarded all four with their current rankings. Ashley had undergone a certification test at a dojo in New York, which was witnessed by Carl Greensand who had commented later to Randy that to see Ashley play and perform on a musical instrument then later undergo the certification was like he had been watching an altogether different teenager.

Setting the final block in place, Corey Baldwin bowed then greeted that who had become his master or sensei. Kirika stood before Corey then commanded he hold out his hands which she examined, "Coarse yet strong," as she ran her fingertips under his palms.

Turning to Randy and Gina Baldwin, Kirika spoke "You both feel comfortable with what is about to pass?"

Gina replied, "It is their wishes, Kirika. All four have that desire and have worked diligently towards the goal they want to obtain. Having the abilities they are mastering will serve them well to have self-discipline, a sense of purpose and confidence that they will need as they grow older. They have made their own sacrifices to achieve these goals."

Randy walking to a nearby storage room and removing a rolling a trash can labeled 'Scrap Wood' spoke, "If you think they are not ready, then say so but I would withhold judgment till after you view their exercises. It will be enlightening."

Ashley with Irena and Nina entered the room and bowing towards Kirika and Mireille then taking positions on either side of Corey, bowed with Corey as he spoke, "We will begin our demonstration sensei." Mireille spoke, "Who is the one who holds the targets?" Randy Baldwin turned to Mireille, "Why me of course. I make a formal request that their sensei observe their exercise from behind the Plexiglas partition, since there is a chance that the target might shatter unpredictably."

Kirika replied, "No, I shall not. I will observe directly. You Monsieur Baldwin, shall take my seat behind the partition. If you will excuse me a moment I must change as well." Setting the wood target down, Randy Baldwin watched as Kirika headed upstairs to change. The teenagers assisting each other in stretches to remain limber waited for her to return.

Joining his wife with Mireille Bouquet, Randy spoke "I hope Kirika remembers to wear the protective padding. The exercise is to be a full power demonstration." Mireille Bouquet replied, "Kirika has never worn protective devices, she prefers to feel the impact to detect what may have gone wrong with the students' approach." Gina Baldwin looked at her husband, "Terrific now you tell me. Just what would you have done had they hit you in the chest by accident?"

About to reply to Gina who held up her hand, "Let me guess? You would have taken some Advil and hope you could get back on your feet." Randy quipped, "No I would have likely asked for the tag number of the truck that ran over me before I passed out."

Gina without thinking swung her fist, but Randy easily blocked it and holding onto Gina's wrist took her hand into his, "I already got smacked by Kirika once today, I like it that the back of my head is no longer hurting. You can smack me later. Its time for our young man and women to demonstrate to a true master what they have learned." Gina breaking into a smile replied as Kirika wearing her gi entered the room "Then let's watch together."

Saturday, September 9th 0900 hours, Kumara Karate Dojo, Gainesville, Georgia

Jill Nagel studied the gathering before exiting the office of the owner, who would be conducting the tests. There more than the usual number of by-standers and observers present for the event. To obtain such a high standard and skill that each of the Baldwin teenagers had so far achieved would have taken most an entire life time.

The sensei conducting the examination was no less a five time world champion in the sport and had prior to obtaining those championships been an Olympic Gold Medalist.

The sensei now conducted instructional lessons for those wanting to learn the skills.

Jill excused herself and exited the office, then entering the dojo; she joined Randy and Gina Baldwin, who were sitting on the floor with the two women who she knew as Noir. Jill noted that Kirika dressed in a gi when she had arrived with the Baldwin's had presented her credentials to the sensei when she had entered. Kumara's reaction towards Kirika was of deep mutual respect. Kumara would also be judging how well Kirika had instructed the Baldwin teenagers.

The Baldwin's were not the only one's to be taking their examinations; four others would be completing their examinations for green and purple belts. By tradition the lesser skilled would go first, those being tested for the black belt skill levels would be the last. As Kumara entered the dojo, those to be tested rose and bowed. Jill was surprised by Kumara who began to speak.

"Today we conduct examinations of those who have achieved skills that will serve them as they grow older and wiser with age. Those that are testing for the green and purple belts will be examined by a guest sensei. Please welcome Kirika Yumura from Tokyo, Japan who is a recognized tenth dan and Yumura who is an instructor with the Baldwin Foundation is here to observe the examination of her own students."

Rising from her resting position Kirika Yumura bowed toward Kumara then joined him at the center of the dojo. Turning to face the first to be examined and tested Kirika Yumura spoke, "Please take your position. The examination for green is now."

Jill Nagel tapped Randy on the arm and whispered, "Did you plan this?" Randy with a puzzled look replied quietly, "No way. I am assuming that the sensei of this dojo decided to ask her himself." The jab in his side from Gina stopped further conversation. Randy quieted and returned his attention to the center of the dojo, the first for examination was a 12 year old girl. Kirika Yumura focusing her attention towards the young girl spoke, "You may now begin."

Saturday, September 9th 1530 hours, Kumara Karate Dojo, Gainesville, Georgia

Kumara completing the final examination of the Baldwin teenagers turned and announced to the observers that the tests were complete. Mireille Bouquet noted that Baldwin teenagers, Corey, Ashley, Nina and Irena showed no sign of the strenuous testing conducted. Sitting to the rear of Kirika who was officially recognized as their teacher and mentor they appeared as statues unmoving.

Jill Nagel joined Randy and Gina at a refreshment table, "Both of you should be proud; their accomplishments will serve them well." Randy watching other parents who had been present for their own sons and daughters tests replied, "I am just as proud of them as the families of the beginning students are."

Following the presentation of the belts, the students and their families were treated to a special match. Gina Baldwin sitting with her children, watched as her husband Randy bowed towards Kirika Yumura. The match being judged by Kumara was deemed only a demonstration match, but even Gina cringed when Kirika struck.

Kirika Yumura wheeled about and struck Randy in the left thigh then springing forward sent a fist had it landed would have left Randy with a bruised shoulder. Blocking the strike, he hooked his right foot into hers and turning back onto his left foot sent her across his body then onto the mat where she broke his grip, tumbled and turned to face him.

Kirika adjusting her stance the expression on her face was that of one who had felt a certain pinch spoke, "That was unnecessary." Randy replied, "Well that was for that smack you gave me on the plane." Mireille Bouquet noting the look commented to Gina, "Randy pressed the wrong button," as Kirika waited for Randy to launch his own attack.

Twisting and trying to break free of the near iron grip, Randy felt the punch to his kidneys; it was not a love tap. Kumara watching as Randy Baldwin slammed into the mat and awarding the point to Kirika ended the match.