Jackson stood next to Rick watching the analysts search the databases for the people Kate wanted. It was disappointing out of 103 people on the taskforce 84 were present DOD members including the first photograph. That person's real name was Col Frank Franks.
"I know that guy! I worked with him in Eastern Europe. He is not much of an Engineer. Considering, he was doing wet work at the time." Jackson said. "How did you get mixed up with him?"
Kate looked at her father in law.
"He is purporting to be an NTSB agent. Name of Terry…What was his name again Rick?" Kate asked
Rick having the time of his life watching the analysts go through their activities answered back.
"What? Kate? I did not hear you. What was the question?" Rick said.
"I was talking to your father about the NTSB agent which left shortly before he arrived. It was Terry something it was not his real name." Kate said.
"Oh was it Terry Foller?" Rick brightly said.
"Yeah Rick, Thanks that is the guy's name Terry Foller Agent for the NTSB." Kate said.
"Well maybe that is his cover but it says here he is attached to the operational wing of the Air force under General Quinton Mast. He is involved in something called Operation Conner." Jackson said.
"Ok let's find out all about this Operation Conner." Kate said.
"Oh this is bad! It is using ex military from Xe corp. They need to be stopped." Jackson said.
"Who is this General Quinton Mast?" Kate asked.
The analysts quickly had an answer. She quickly scanned his file. It was not something they liked.
"Brother in law to Ex-Senator Bracken" she read.
"So he is tasked to clean up Bracken's image. It is imperative we get to the evidence of the plane crash before it is all swept away." Kate said.
"Ok Kate we have another exit we can use it will put us in Jersey. There can be a jet to take us to the site in an hour." Jackson said.
"Oh this is so cool I'm going on a mission with my Dad!" Rick said. Kate just rolled her eyes at her husband.
/
They got to the crash site and Kate walked around for a moment. There was very little remained showing that there been a debris field. Every metal or plastic part had been removed. The only thing they did not do is remove the scorched trees and it was precisely that which led Kate to the right location where she started digging. Rick watched intently and so did Jackson. Finally she had uncovered the plastic bag.
"That is far enough" said Agent Foller said holding a gun and having several other men holding them on Jackson and Rick.
"Well hello Col Franks?" Kate said slowly standing up holding on to the plastic bag with the evidence.
"Oh so you know my name well this makes it difficult." The Col said.
"What is so difficult? You put down your guns and walk away. Kate takes this bag with her. It seems pretty easy to me" Rick quipped.
For his outburst Rick got shoved by the rifle's gun barrel into his side.
"Ooooff" Rick said "watch it."
"Come on Lt. Castle just give me the bag there really needs not to have anything unpleasant." The Col again asked.
Kate looked at her Father in Law's eyes he was showing no way they had to hold out a bit longer.
"No I think I will continue to hold this bag if you do not mind." Kate said.
"Hmm a pity I guess I will have to try to convince you. He turned and ordered one of the mercs to shoot Rick.
"I would not follow that illegal order if I were you son" Jackson said.
The Merc smirked thinking what could an old man do to him. He cocked his weapon and began to fire but he did not have a chance. Jackson spun into action. He first clobbered the first Merc with the flat of his hand killing him instantly. Next a round house kick knocked the gun out of the Merc's hands Rick scrabbled after it and then coming up with the gun aimed it at the Col. Who had taken Kate hostage which was a bad move.
Jackson and Merc fought it out but Jackson knocked him out. The Col seeing he was out numbered slowly backed away with Kate as his hostage. She saw the tree branch which was going to block his escape. Seeing her opportunity she pushed him backwards then ran toward Rick who fired at the falling Col hitting him in the shoulder. They quickly subdued him.
"Good shooting Son!" Jackson said. Then Javi and Colin appeared with the sheriff.
"Where were you guys?" Rick shouted.
"We got delayed. Colin had to convince the Sheriff to accompany us here." Javi said.
"Wow who took this guy out?" Colin said kneeling at the side of the dead Merc.
"That would be your Father Colin" Jackson said.
The Sheriff got his crew out and took statements. After everything was done they ruled the killing of the Merc in self defense.
"I am glad that is over we have to interrogate the Prisoners." Jackson said.
"I agree" Kate said. Showing the Sheriff her authorization to conduct investigations anywhere she would like as head of the Senator Bracken Assassination Taskforce.
"What does this taskforce have to do with my county?" The sheriff asked.
"Ask that to the NTSB Agent Schift he should be arriving soon." Kate said.
"In the meanwhile I need this evidence of a crime analyzed by the best crime lab in the country." Kate said. "I will bid you all good bye Gentlemen."
Kate left the bemused Sheriff and his team behind.
Jackson along with Kate, Colin, Rick and Javi adjourned to the closest town.
"Javi You and Colin head back to New York with the prisoners. Rick, Jackson and I will take this evidence to the CIA labs in Washington. Be careful who you tell. This operation Conner has many members and we need to catch them all." Kate ordered.