Chapter 4

Just a few blocks from the police station, in a deserted warehouse, two men were busy removing all evidence that they had been in there. More importantly, that a murder had occurred. The leader of the two had just finished letting them know in no uncertain terms that he wasn't ready for Carlton's wife to die and he did not want any symbol of their organization in police hands. Ned Harper bore the brunt of their boss' rage and passed it on to his partner, Dave Harrison. Double and triple checking everything, they finally got in their van and drove off.

"I've got to hand it to him though, the Colonel has really got them wrapped around his finger," Dave commented with a chuckle.

Ned glanced over at him, thinking how differently things would be right now if he'd lost the buckle to Sgt. McCall. He shook his head. Dave just didn't get how angry the Colonel was. "You think so?"

"So what's the word?" Dave asked when it became apparent that Ned wasn't going to volunteer any information.

"We're to going after one of the Mayor's kids."

Dave looked at Ned questioningly, "What in the world for?"

Ned just glared at him. "The Colonel didn't say. It's complicated, Dave. We need to play his game and don't ask so many questions – it's not good for you. Got it?"

Dave nodded sullenly.

"School will be out in a little while. Let's go." Ned ordered.

Dave parked the van strategically so they could see in all directions, the waiting started.

About an hour later they saw the boy walking down the street with some friends; at the crossing they all went their separate ways.

"Let's do it," Ned said to Dave. They pulled ski masks over their faces and Dave hopped in the back of the van.

"Do we want to keep this one alive?" Dave asked

"Yeah. Are you ready?"

"Yeah."

"Okay!"

Ned started the van and put it in gear.

Just as Jason Young wanted to open the gate to the front garden a van stopped behind him with screeching tires, the side door flew open; a person wearing a ski mask jumped out, grabbed him and dragged him into the van. After Dave closed the door, Ned hit the gas and raced off.

Jason put up a struggle when Dave tried to gag, blindfold and tie him up, but after a hard fought battle, Dave won. He went back to his seat in front of the van next to Ned.

Jason Young lay bound, gagged, and blindfolded in the rear of the van as it entered whereabouts unknown to him. In the front of the van, Harrison and Harper spoke of a job well done on Jason's capture as they drove to gated entryway of a massive estate. Jason tried his best to engrave those voices in his thoughts for later identification.

The gigantic property was hidden from any view from the street by two miles of thick brush that served as a divider. No one ever really saw the property, as it was most exclusive to the Lacrosse family; a family of enormous wealth by way of thoroughbred horse breeding and fine wine production. Five years ago Adrian Lacrosse IV moved his family; consisting of three generations to their equally luxurious home in Venice, Italy. When Ethan Harrington offered an extra million over the asking price of fourteen million, Lacrosse found it a pleasure to do business with this man, never questioning the added amount to the price and quickly made the sale.

The four story building; very much resembling a castle has thirty-one rooms, including twelve bedrooms; each with its own bath, a forty-seat theater, chefs kitchen, fully stocked library, dance hall, fully equipped gymnasium and indoor Olympic size pool, just to name a few of the features. This palatial setting is now the residence of Harrington; and nine other male and female occupants willingly under his command. The confines are also meant to be home to those occupying space against their own will. Jason Young would soon be in one of those spaces. Just beyond the stables were the barracks; built by Harrington two years ago. From the outside it appeared to be a set of three large guest homes, but inside was not unlike a military barrack setup with a large dining area in a separate building. These quarters housed an additional sixty members and were set aside for those new to the fold, in training and of course of lower ranking. The daily routines were as strict as the Colonel's routine when he served in the military as he wanted his soldiers to be fit and alert as any well attack force should be.

Once inside the main home, Harper and Harrison met with Colonel Ethan Harrington and presented Jason as they were told. The little boy, still bound and gagged, stood with assistance and was given the once-over by Harrington before he was taken to a large room.

Once he was set free of his binding, Jason asked Harper where he was and if he'd be seeing his parents soon.

"Just enjoy yourself kid. We're only keeping you here until your dad does as he's told. The Colonel made sure you'd have this nice room, so take advantage of it. Try out those video games, the TV or the pinball machine. You'll get something to eat soon."

They left Jason alone in the large room. He was quite surprised that wasn't in a small empty room like he'd imagined. There were two full sized beds, each with navy blue and white striped comforters, and the room was sports themed with various decorations pertaining to football, baseball and soccer. The bathroom was equally adorned with the same theme. All of this could make any young boy happy to be there. If Jason had chosen for himself; instead forced to spend time in such a fantastic room, he may have shown more appreciation for it. Instead, he felt so alone and afraid that he couldn't contain his emotions any longer, and let the tears flow as his body crumpled to the floor.

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Harrington was no longer legally a Colonel, but proclaimed that he was to be addressed as such. He gave a level of rank to each of his followers, and they gladly accepted. Harrington stood at 6'1", weighed a muscular 226lbs., and wearing a buzz cut looked at least ten years younger than his actual fifty-two years. He called for his followers to join him in the large formal dining room, which sometimes doubled as a meeting hall. Several years ago, the former US military solider was discharged from the Marines after many accusations of physical abuse were reported by soldiers under his command. He tried to fight against the decision in court, but came out on the losing end. Harrington wasn't the only person with a military background in the house. Everyone in his current assembly has worked with the government at one time… some has either served with the military; US or foreign and/or the police at some point. In their eyes, and with the coaxing of the Colonel, each had grown to believe that any wrong doing they were accused of was a conspiracy against them and those responsible would pay.

They would pay dearly.

"Today, we have made another statement to our enemies that we will be heard, and taken very, very seriously. The Mayor is sure to suffer with his son missing, and that's exactly what I want. Carlton was the one who identified my son as fleeing the scene of a hit and run accident! My son will be serving at least twelve years, and the so-called victim wasn't even killed! They didn't think we were serious until we disposed of officer Carlton's wife, but I know they still need more evidence that we mean business."

As the Colonel continued his loyal followers agreed with his every word. "The people who are in the police and military lines are our enemies. At one time they had us all fooled into thinking we were a brotherhood and sisterhood of equality, but they were liars! We have a very large group of people in our ranks, working in various areas. At the moment I want to concentrate on the Los Angeles metro and surrounding areas because it all began there for me. Those sons of bitches treated me like a leper…turning their backs on me when they were in the wrong! Retribution shall be enforced!" He stood from his seat and slammed his fist on the table. "I personally have dealings with three more police officers in particular. Does anyone know their names!" He glared at his people.

In turn they replied with enthusiasm. "Charles Devane, Rick Hunter, and DeeDee McCall sir!"

"That is correct! They wrongly accused me of beating a man almost to death when it was clearly a fair fight and not my fault if the poor bastard couldn't handle himself against a real man! I was arrested in my own home in front of my family while Devane and his minions sat in the courtroom with smug looks on their faces as I was put through hell! I spent nine years in prison for their lies! I will no longer tolerate the congratulatory actions they received for my humiliation!" His eyes blazed with fire as his soldiers applauded him. "We will send out several more messages to the opposing authorities by using Hunter, McCall, Devane and people they are or have been close to, such as co-workers, family, and friends! We will teach them all that they cannot get away with what they've done! Everyone in the system that has ever treated us wrongfully will pay!"

The Colonel embraced the rooting and applauds for his speech. He sat back in his chair and soaked it all in and finally finished the meeting. "We, the soldiers of Final Judgment will play it out just as our assembly title declares! Final judgment will be ours!"

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Tuesday

The news that the Mayor's ten-year old son had been kidnapped hit the city hard. Although there was no confirmation that the murder of Shari Carlton and the kidnapping were linked; speculation was made by both citizens and investigators. Now, no one felt safe and, as Charlie informed his crew, that was most likely the goal.

McCall felt especially bad, gnawing on her lower lip in consternation. She wished she had been the next target rather than an innocent child. Because of the threats made against her, she had had adequate protection but nothing special had been done about other potential victims. And what the hell did "Final Judgment mean? Her partner didn't need ESP to figure out why she was so upset.

"Stop it, McCall," Hunter snapped at her, frustrated by the turn of events and inadvertently taking it out on her. "You know perfectly well that we can't be everywhere and the kid was snatched at his front gate."

"It doesn't matter, Hunter," she snapped back, her cheeks flaming in anger. "I'm safe and sound and Jason isn't. He's only ten years old, for God's sake."

"So - what? You want me to send out a message telling them to let the kid go and come get you 'cause you feel bad? You want me to say it's not right that they took some kid instead of an adult? I don't think these guys care about fair play."

"If it got that child home safely, I would trade myself," McCall blurted without thinking.

Hunter blanched, his eyes registering the fear his partner's statement caused. McCall stared back at him, her own eyes blazing

Charlie moved as if to break things up, but McCall didn't give him a chance. Without another word, she stood up and stormed out of the office, leaving her co-workers staring after her in stunned silence. Everyone looked at each other and then all eyes turned to Hunter. He ducked his head in shame, feeling like her outburst was aimed directly at him.

"I know, I know. I'm going." He grabbed his coat and hurried out, determined to make things right.