Chapter 11

"O Winter! ruler of the inverted year, . . . I crown thee king of intimate delights,

Fireside enjoyments, home-born happiness,

And all the comforts that the lowly roof Of undisturb'd Retirement,

and the hours Of long uninterrupted evening, know."

William Cowper

Jim took off his coat and gloves went into the office and sat at the comm. "I'm here, Gavin. What did you find out?"

"I found them, Jim! It didn't take long. They have a very long history with the police in many cities. The other thing I discovered is that they have very good and expensive attorneys; many arrests, but no convictions: extortion, attempted murder, murder, assault, theft, you name it, they've done it and gotten away with it. You were right, Jim, they are brothers, Frank and Tom Clancy, 36 and 37 years old. Their rap sheet goes back to when they were juveniles. Came from a decent family, professional parents, middle class, good schools, concerned teachers, but they all gave up on them long ago. The family tried everything with the boys, interventions, counseling, changing schools, nothing worked. They were originally from Boston, but the boys left home in their late teens, and their last known address was New Jersey. They are strictly contract hires. You pay them, they'll do it. I'm sending all this to your padd."

"Thanks, Gavin, good work. Any leads on where they might be in this neck of the woods?"

'Not so far, but I'm working on it. I'm also working on finding out all we can about Sanford and his heirs. The man had more money than some off world planets; but from what I've found out, he didn't get much joy from it, he had no close family, not much of a social life, and not many friends. Guess money really doesn't buy happiness, at least that much of it. Any more news from your end?"

'Yeah, we finally heard from Violet. She called to check on Davy. Ma and I talked to her earlier. She's in hiding somewhere, but she refused to tell us where. I tried to convince her to let me go pick her up, that she's safer here with us, but she's too frightened. It's Davy, she's terrified about. Ma and I reassured her as much as we could. We told her that there are four trained Star Fleet officers here to protect her and Davy, but we couldn't convince her. She said she'll call again tomorrow."

"I hope you convince her. These guys are really bad news. They won't stop until they find her. She has to understand that they're professionals, if they don't carry out their contract, they don't get paid. It's a business for them, pure and simple."

Jim sighed worriedly. "I know, Gavin. When she calls tomorrow we'll do our best. I want to talk with my CMO and my mother about what they think of the idea of having Davy in front of the comm. He's really talking a lot and I was hoping if she hears him, she'll want to come home. I just don't want to do anything that will upset or traumatize Davy or Violet. Davy's been so happy here with us, and besides that, Ma would kill me if that baby was unhappy or upset."

"Yeah, that's a tricky one. Wouldn't want to upset Winona, that's for sure, but it may help turn the tide in our favor with Violet. Let me know what happens, okay? I'll get back to you as soon as I find out more about Sanford, who the heirs are and the exact amount of the insurance."

"I will, thanks, Gavin." Jim said, carefully keeping the smile out of his voice at Gavin's 'our favor.' Gavin was totally invested in this mission and for that he was profoundly grateful. They needed all the help they could get to help Violet. "Kirk out."

Might as well check on the ship while I'm here, he thought, although I'm sure everything's fine or else Scotty would have commed me. While he waited for the comm link to connect to the Enterprise, he realized that surprisingly he didn't really miss being on the ship. First time that's ever happened, he thought. He also realized that this had to do with his profound mental and physical exhaustion from several very difficult missions in the last six months, starting with the treason ring and his trauma at seeing Spock almost dead beneath his hands.1 He thought too, that having his best friends here with him, and spending time with Peter and his mother, now that the worst of their grief about Sam and Aurelan was behind them, added to his happiness at having this time at home. Also, he had to admit, Violet's predicament was keeping him focused on something other than the Enterprise. Just what I needed, he thought, time to regroup, relax, refresh.

The comm beeped. "Scotty, how are things? Everything going all right?"

"Aye, Captain. Dinna' worry yourself, sir. All is peaceful here. We miss you, Sir, all of you, but we're doing jist fine. Mr. Sulu and I, we're managing well."

"Excellent, Scotty. I'm sure you are. Keep up the good work, and I'll check back again in a couple of days. Tell everyone hello from all of us."

"Aye, Sir. My regards to your mother, Captain."

"Thank you, Mr. Scott. Kirk out."

Jim went back to the living room. "Ma, I think it's time the chief cook had a break, you've been cooking every day. Let's order in, we can have Italian from Salvatore's. What do you say?"

"That's a lovely idea! I'd love some Italian" said Winona. "Mr. Salvatore will send it or one of you can pick it up. Let me order for everyone and call it in. You won't be disappointed; everything at Salvatore's is delicious and freshly made. Mr. Spock, I'll order something meatless for you."

"We'll pick it up, Ma, it'll be faster. Peter and I will go. Okay, Squirt? Give you a chance to ride in the shuttle again. Meanwhile, Peter, why don't you go feed the animals so you won't have to when we get back."

Once Peter was out of the house, and his mother back, Jim quickly updated them on all that Gavin had reported about the contract killers. "We have to convince Violet that she's safer here than anywhere else. Ma, do you have any idea where she could be?"

"No, dear, I don't. Her parent's home was sold, and the new owners are living there, and she certainly wouldn't hide in her own home where ever that is."

"No, not there for sure." Jim's brow furrowed in concentration; where could she be hiding?

"Jim," Spock's voice interrupted his thoughts. "I believe Davy's mother would hide somewhere close by, most probably here in Riverside because she would want to be close to Davy."

"I agree," said Uhura. "If I were Davy's mother, that's what I'd do."

"I think so too," said McCoy. "Mothers with babies are very protective; it's hard-wired into them, so it probably is close by."

Speculation stopped when Peter came back from the barn and Jim put on his coat. "Let's go, Squirt, by the time we get to Salvatore's the food will be ready."

Although it was still early, darkness had fallen, and the night sky was clear, bright with stars and the almost full moon climbing up over the horizon. Peter walked close to his Uncle Jim, happy to have this time alone with him. Jim looking at the happy little face beside him, decided that keeping that contented look on Peter's face was now a priority; he'd be sure to spend more time alone with Peter.

"Are you enjoying having company for Christmas, Squirt?"

"Oh yes, Uncle Jim. I'm glad Mr. Spock, Dr. Bones and Ms Uhura are here. Noni is too. We like company a lot. Even though I write to them and they write me back, it's not the same as when I'm with them; I miss them." He looked up at his Uncle, his hazel eyes wistful. "But I miss you the most, Uncle Jim. I wish I could be on the ship with you."

Jim swallowed hard, his heart constricting. This child had lost so much, his father and mother, his home, his friends;2 it was a miracle he was doing as well as he was. Thanks to his mother and Bones' care, Spock's gentle attention and tutelage, Uhura's affection, and Jim's love, Peter was well along in healing from his losses. "Maybe one of these days you will be on the ship with me," Jim said hugging the child close.

Jim guided the shuttle up above the house. It was a beautiful night for flying; the moon loomed large over head and he did a fly over the farm just for the fun of it and headed west. Peter turned his head to see the farm-house and barn from that height said suddenly said, "Uncle Jim, there's that shuttle, it's flying over Birnam Woods again and they have a huge spot light going back and forth."

Jim went on high alert; climbed higher and made a tight 360 to see Birnam Woods. He could see the spot light going back and forth across the woods. He would not risk going back with Peter beside him, but he flipped open his communicator. "Kirk to Spock."

"Spock here, Captain."

"Spock, the shuttle is back, it's over Birnam Woods, and they have a spot light. No one is to go outside, understood? And be sure to lock the back and front doors. Have your Phasers handy just in case."

"Understood. Are you and Peter all right, Jim?"

"Yes Spock, we're heading west to Riverside. I think I know a way to discourage these guys. I'm sick and tired of them coming around the farm. I'll get back to you in a little while. Spock, all of you stay alert."

"We will. Spock out."

Jim looked at Peter as he headed to Riverside and was relived to see that there was no worry on Peter's face.

"Where are we going, Uncle Jim?"

"We're going to the Police Department. Those men are trespassing and I want the police to check them out. We'll stop there first before picking up our food."

Jim brought the shuttle down behind the Riverside Police Department. It was an old red brick building, two stories high, solid and square. Jim was very familiar with it from certain escapades that he and Sam had gotten into as school boys. The Riverside police had been tolerant and mostly amused by their small transgressions, but his mom and dad had not felt the same. He wondered if Peter would enjoy those stories, and if his mom would mind if he shared them.

They walked into the warmth of the front office and the receptionist behind the glass wall opened the window and greeted them warmly. "How may I help you?"

"I'd like to talk to someone about trespassers on my mother's property, " Jim smiled at the pretty young woman who smiled back.

"Certainly, let me get someone. Your name, please?"

"Jim Kirk, my mother's name is Winona Kirk. Her farm is just east of Riverside."

The receptionist closed the window, spoke into her comm unit and nodded. "Please take a seat, someone will be with you in a moment."

The side door opened and a tall man wearing the uniform of the Riverside Chief of Police came through the door his face wreathed in a huge smile. "Jim! Jim Kirk! How the hell are you?"

"Jonathon! I heard from Ma that you were the new Chief. Congratulations!. Don't know if you've met my nephew, Peter, Sam's boy. He lives with Ma at the farm now. Peter, this is my friend and the Chief of Police, Jonathon Romaine." Jim's eyes darted a covert warning glance at the Chief, who nodded in understanding.

"Peter, a pleasure to meet you. Knew your dad very well, he was a very fine person. Come on in to my office, both of you. Guess you're visiting your mom for Christmas?'

"Yeah, Christmas leave after almost three years, Jonathon. Brought some of my Enterprise friends with me. Ma loves the company. Sure hope you'll get to meet them."

"Your mom always did like having company, Jim, and us kids hanging around all the time. Maybe we can meet up for dinner one of these evenings if you're going to be here a while. Now how can I help you?"

"The thing is, Jonathon, we're having a problem with two men trespassing on the property, and in fact they're trespassing now in Birnam Woods, we just saw them with a search light." Jim told the Chief about all the incidents with the two men; their wish to look around the farm, how their shuttle had flown over them after their ice skating, how they had searched the woods and then this evening's sighting.

The Chief looked troubled. "I don't like the sound of it, Jim. Wonder who they're looking for? And why are they concentrating around your mom's acreage?"

"It's obvious they're up to no good and it's a worry for Ma and me too. Those guys looked tough and mean."

"Let me send a couple of officers over there. Hopefully they're still there and we can question them." He spoke into his comm unit to his patrol officers, directed them to the farm and asked them to report back to him personally.

"I can see why it would worry you and your mother too. I know she and young Peter are pretty isolated out there, so I make it a point to have my patrols fly by the farm a couple of times a week at random times; don't know if your mom told you, but it's my policy to check on the outlying farms often."

"No, I didn't know, but I'm happy you're doing it. You know how independent Ma is and Peter here is great company for her, but he's at school most of the time. It will ease my mind when I'm back on the ship to know you're doing that. Let me know what your officers find out. Peter and I are picking up our dinner at Salvatore's, so I'm available to come back here if you need me. Let me give you my comm code if you need it."

The Chief shook hands with Jim and Peter and saw them to the door. "Great to see you, Jim. It's been too long since you were home. Give my best to your mom. Bye, Peter."

As they walked out, Peter looked up at his uncle. "Uncle Jim, did you go to school with the Chief or was it my dad?"

"I did, Peter. We hung out all through our school years. Your dad was several years ahead of us in school, but he always had time for us little kids. Chief Romaine's a good guy, one of the best. I'm glad you got to meet him. Come on, Squirt, let's get our food."

Salvatore's was always full, no matter what day of the week it was. The restaurant had a renowned state-wide reputation for fine Italian food. It was a family run business and Papa Salvatore ran a tight ship. All the homemade pasta was made by Mama Salvatore, who was helped in this most serious endeavor only by employees personally trained by her. Salvatore's used only the freshest of vegetables; their meats, chicken, and fish were flown in daily, and the wine had to pass muster wirh Giovanni (Gio) Salvatore, whom Papa had sent away to school to become a sommelier. Their two daughters were also involved in the business, one was the accountant and kept the books, the other was the chef, not only CIA trained, but Mama Salvatore trained as well. Marie had once told Jim that the CIA had been a piece of cake compared to Mama. Jim had known the family from early childhood, and Marie, had been a good friend of both Jim and Violet all through school.

As he and Peter walked in, the well remembered wonderful smell enveloped him. Papa spotted him at once. "Jim! mio figlio! Welcome home!" He was grabbed by the shoulders and kissed soundly first on one cheek and then the other. "Mama," he called, "Jim is here!" Mama came running and hugged Jim tightly. "Jim, how wonderful you are home! Your mama, she must be so happy! Marie, come out, Jim is here!" she called to her daughter who was in the kitchen. Marie came out, wiping her hands and she and Jim grinned happily at each other. "Marie, how are you?" He gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek which she returned enthusiastically. "How are the children, Ma says you and Thomas have three now, right?"

"Three beautiful little hellions, that's what we have." She smiled her Madonna smile. "Oh Jim, it's so lovely you're home. Our Riverside Star Ship Captain, we are so very proud of you! Look." On the wall behind the bar was a huge holo poster of the Enterprise with the command crew ringed around her saucer, and Jim at the center of the command circle.

Jim blushed furiously at the sight. Marie, Papa and Mama looked fondly at him, pride in their faces. Marie just laughed at his embarrassment. "What did you expect, you're Riverside's most famous son."

"Ah, well," muttered Jim, hideously embarrassed. Change of subject needed desperately here, he thought frantically. "Papa, Mama, Marie, have you met Peter, Sam's son?"

"Of course we have, Jim. Your mama she comes in often and brings Peter, right Peter?" said Mama.

Peter nodded, grinning. He loved Mama Salvatore.

"So Jim, how long are you here for?" asked Papa.

"For a month, Papa."

"Good, good! You come in and have dinner while you're here, okay? Now, here is your order that you called in, nice and hot. Your mama she said you brought friends, so I put in some extra bread and dipping sauce and a bottle of wine too."

"Thank you, Papa. How much do I owe you?"

"No, No, Jim. Not tonight. Tonight Marie, Gio, Mama and I, we are so proud to have you home, this is our gift to you to celebrate your home coming."

"Papa, no, it's too much," said Jim, overcome by the generosity of these good people.

'No Jim," said Mama, "nothing is too much for you and your friends. Take it caro amico. We insist, please give us the pleasure."

Jim looked at the dear eager faces in front of him, and gave in. "Grazie, mio caro amicos."

Mama beamed. "You still remember the Italian that Marie taught you, Jim."

Jim chuckled, looking at Marie. "Of course I do. She used to knuckle me on the head if I didn't remember what she taught me and pronounce it right."

Marie gave a delighted peal of laughter. "I had totally forgotten about that. So glad that teaching technique made it stick in your head, Jim."

"We better get going, the food is going to get cold. Thank you again. We'll be back for dinner soon, and I hope you all will join us. I want my friends to get to know you."

"Of course, Jim. Just call ahead and we'll reserve a big table for all of us." Jim was engulfed once again in hugs and kisses and Peter's head was tousled as they left.

So much love, thought Jim, gratefully. It warmed him from head to toe.

They got in the shuttle and took off and his comm rang. "Kirk here."

"It's Jonathon. My officers just reported in. They ran into trouble at Birnam Woods. When they tried to stop and question the shuttle, the occupants opened phaser fire on the police shuttle! My officers are okay, but it would be good for you to check in with your family at home, Jim."

Jim's heart sank as he drew a deep breath; he looked over at Peter who looked back at him anxiously. "Will do, Jonathon. Kirk out."

1 See "Ring of Treason"

2 TOS episode "Operation Annihilate"