Chapter 45
Hero Worship
0800 hours local time, 25 March 2002, Klein's Café, Haifa, Israel.
"Enjoying your 1st time in Israel?" Malachi asked Rick as the 2 men enjoyed a morning cup of coffee in the open air café, located in downtown Haifa.
"It's nice" Rick said as he sipped his coffee. "I did some research into this Fainberg guy on the flight" Rick said. "He's hip-deep in some serious shit. Drugs, Human Trafficking, kidnapping, extortion" he said.
"Aren't you, Tony and you guys' father in a similar line of work?" Mal asked.
"Racketeering, Bootleg Smokes & Booze, Arms dealing, gambling, union infiltration, all that sure" Rick confessed. "But Drugs? Human Trafficking? No" Rick said as eh shook his head. "And who are you to criticize?" Rick asked. "Rumor has it you did some work for my father back in the day"
"True" Mal confessed. "But not nearly as much as you do now" he countered.
"You, Chester Martin and my brother killed 2 people, and stole $5,000,000 from the Armenian Mob" Rick said.
"They were Armenian Mobsters, and they fired at us first" Mal retorted. "And who are you kidding? You placed a gun to Gotti Jr.'s forehead and turned his head into a canoe"
"He tried to have my Nephew murdered, and killed his girlfriend in the process" Rick said. "He deserved it"
"Fair enough" Mal said. "But what about his driver? The one you had Erica Jane douse in gasoline, set ablaze and empty her revolver into?" he asked. "Don't answer that" Mal said as he took out a flask and poured some of the contents into his coffee.
"I've never seen a Jew drink Irish coffee" Rick joked.
"I'd make it Belgian, but the waffle would fit into the cup" Mal joked.
"Make that one up yourself?" Rick asked sarcastically.
"I got that one from Chester" Mal said.
0105 hours, 15 September 1998, Main flight line, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. When the 6 men deplaned, Tony sent Billy and Cole home to get some sleep. The remaining 4 men were met on the flight by Tali, who had driven up in her classic black 1968 Pontiac GTO, which Tony and Malachi had helped her restore. Sitting on the hood of the GTO were 5 cups and a file folder. "Tals, that better be coffee, cause we all in for a long night" said Tony, who was exhausted.
"Tony, coffee, milk, and the same for Malachi and Jack" she said handing them there coffees. "And Chester, one Irish Coffee" she said, sounding less than amused. Chester smiled as he took it from her and took a sip.
"Irish?" asked Malachi.
"It means it has alcohol in it" said Tony. Then he turned to Chester. "Really Ironman, Irish?" Tony asked.
"Well I wanted to make it Belgian, but the waffles wouldn't fit in the cup" said Chester, which caused everyone to laugh.
"Fair enough" Rick said as he sipped his coffee. "What about your father? How did he end up involved in all this?" he asked.
"I honestly don't know" Mal confessed. "If I had to wager a guess though, I'd say it was for the money, it's always about the money" he said. "Me and My dad don't get along too well" he said. "I mean, it's nothing like Tony and his bio-dad, my dad is fuckin prick" Mal said.
"You ever meet DiNozzo Sr.?" Rick asked.
"No" Mal said, shaking his head.
"You wanna talk about a prick, DiNozzo Sr. was it" Rick said.
"How well did you know him?" Mal asked.
"Not that well. Tony, me and Webb were best friends, our girlfriends were best friends too. It was a group of 6. we all knew Tony's parents" Rick said.
"Tony never spoke of his biological father, and rarely spoke of his mom" Mal replied. "S what's your plan to deal with Fainberg?" Mal asked as a car, a black Mercedes, pulled up to the curb across the street from them. Mal watched a Rick discreetly knocked his napkin off the table. A few seconds later, a 2nd vehicle, a black Lincoln Navigator, came to a screeching halt. 3 Men emerged from the SUV, armed with Uzis. The 3 men quickly racked the Mercedes with SMG fire, emptied their clips, and then drove off again.
"This is how" Rick said as he got up from the table and made his way across the street. When he reached the far sidewalk, he drew his 45. from his shoulder holster, which was concealed by the jacket of his light blue 3-piece suit. Rick approached the shot-up car, yanked open the driver door, and the driver's body fell out. He was bloody, but alive, for now. Rick cocked the pistol, squatted down, and held it to the driver's head. "Where's Tarzan?" he asked, using Fainberg's Underworld nickname.
"Fuck you" the driver said in heavily accented English. Rick frowned and pulled the trigger, splattering the man's brains onto the sidewalk. He stood up, and holstered his gun, as Malachi walked over. "We do this about a 100, more times, and either we find Fainberg, or we kill just about everyone who works for him" Rick snickered.
0955 hours local time, 25 March 2002, Khyber Pass, 3 miles East of the Afghan/Pakistani border, Pakistan.
"There it is" Tony said. "The old iron trestle bridge" he smiled as they grouped looked down from their overwatch position on the hill above.
"I didn't know they still had these" Deeks said.
"Doesn't matter, it'll still be a good show when these babies bring 'er down" Cole said as he held up a brick of C4, getting laughs of out Chester and Deeks.
"Enough!" Tony yelled as he held up his hand. "Dragnet, stay here and keep us cover" he ordered.
"Why me?" Deeks complained.
"Because I fuckin said so" Tony said, not in any mood fuck around. "You 2" he said, pointing to Chester and Cole. "I want em on each base, and I want contact charges on the track, no reason we can't take the train down with it" Tony said. "Get moving" he ordered.
The 3 men quickly slide down the rocky slope to the track and jogged to the bridge. "Hey" Tony yelled. "Forget the base, just lay em' under the beams. The force of the explosion and weight of the train should bring the bitch down no problem" Tony said.
"Ok" Chester said as he and Cole walked along the bridge to the far side.
"Hey, you notice anything different about Top lately?" Cole asked when he and Chester reached the far side of the bridge.
"Like what?" Chester replied.
"It seems like ever since he got back, he's been acting different, ya know" Cole said.
"The man's grandson was just born. He's just being a little more cautious, that's all" Chester explained.
"Are you sure he's fit to stay in command?" Cole commented. Chester growled and gave Cole a hard slap to the back of the head.
"Shut the fuck" he growled. "You'd been through as much shit as he has, you'd be a little more careful too"
"Ok, I'm sorry" Cole apologized.
"Yeah, ya fuckin sorry" Chester growled again as he smacked Chester for a 2nd time. "Ya damn right ya fuckin sorry. Don't ever fuckin bring it up again" he said as the 2 men got to work.
0900 hours local time, 25 March 2002, Gold Bridge, Haifa, Israel
"No, no, no" the man yelled as Malachi and AJ pulled him from the trunk of AJ's Buick Grand National. They dragged him onto the sidewalk and up against the railing.
"I'll make it real simple, tell me where I can find Tarzan, and you walk, no questions asked" Mal told the man.
"I don't know where he is" the man protested.
"Ok then, tell ya what" Malachi said. "When me and Marcus here toss ya over, if you can magically fly away, we won't shoot ya down" he said as he grabbed the man by the collars, and AJ picked up his legs, as they proceeded to toss the man over the railing into the water far below. "Hey look, he's flying" Mal joked.
"No he's not" AJ said as they watched the man onto the rocks below the bridge.
"You're a funny guy Marcus" Mal said as he gave AJ a slap on the shoulder. "Come on, let's beat it" he said.
1045 hours local time, 25 March 2002, Khyber Pass, 3 miles East of the Afghan/Pakistani border, Pakistan.
"1045 hours" Tony read from his watch. "Right on time" he said with a smile as they watched the train approach. It was a =n old steam train, like the kind in the "Thomas the tank Engine" books Tony used to read to Three when he was a toddler. The same books he would probably end up reading to his new Grandson too.
"Anyone wanna take odds?" Chester asked.
"On what?" Tony said as he lowered the binoculars from his face.
"I don't know" Chester confessed.
"Then shut it" Tony ordered. They watched as the train got closer and closer. "Phantom, you have the back up if the contact charges fail?"
"I got it" Cole replied with a nod.
"Good" Tony said. "And as a last resort, we rush down the hill, overpower the engineer and derail the fucker ourselves": he said as the train was only a few feet from the bridge. The contact charges worked perfectly. When the train was about a ¼ of the way across, the wheel hit the contacts, which intern set of the charges. The sound of the explosion echoed throughout the mountains, in ever which direction.
"Fuck yeah" Cole said. "Burn baby burn" he said as he what the train, and the cars it was pulling, all loaded with T-72 MBTs (Main Battle Tanks) and their crews, plummeted to the canyon floor below.
"Halle fuckin luiah" Tony said as he lit up a cigar. "Come on, let's get out of here, 1st round is on me"
0630 hours, 25 March 2002, Presidential Residence, White House, Washington D.C.
"Here we go" Rex muttered under his breath as he adjusted his charcoal 3-piece suit. He gave a small, but resounding knock on the door. when he got no response, he knocked again, harder this time.
"Enter" a voice came. Rex smiled and opened the white double doors.
"Good Morning Mr. President, Madam 1st Lady" Rex said as he entered, crossed the room, and opened the blinds.
"Rex, shouldn't you be at the hospital with your son?" asked Mrs. McCain as she slipped on her robe over her nightgown.
"My Grandmother is with him. I'm needed here" he said.
"Oh" Mrs. McCain smiled. "How is Liv these days?" she asked.
"Fine, thank you Mam, I make sure she knows you asked" Rex said.
"What's 1st on the agenda this morning Rex?" The President asked.
"You have a breakfast with Senator Obama at 0830" he said. Unlike many of his predecessors, President McCain preferred to use Military time. In fact, other than Bush 41, no President since LBJ had used Military time while in the White House.
"I'll be down in 30" The President said as he stepped into his bathroom.
"Yes Mr. President" Rex said as he retreated from the room.
28 minutes later- Oval Office
"Good Morning Mr. President" said Deborah Fiderer; the President's Secretary said when The President entered the room.
"Debb" The President said as he took a seat behind the desk.
"Senator Obama's Secretary called me, the Senator will be here at 0815 as you requested" she informed him.
"Excellent" he replied as he sipped his morning coffee. "Rex!" he yelled.
"Yes Mr. President" Rex said as he flew into the room. As Personal Aide to the President, Rex wasn't required, but he would be damned if he would disgrace the President by not wearing a suit. So everyday, he would put on a 3-piece suit, and head to work. When he was at work, he didn't always were the jacket, especially when it was just him, Debb, and the President.
"Give me a brief bio of Senator Obama" he said.
"Barack Hussein Obama, Independent Senator from Illinois since 1998. Defeated incumbent Democrat Carol Moseley Braun and Republican State Senator Peter Fitzgerald, by winning over 80% of the vote. Despite his Independent line, he caucuses with Democrats. He's up for Re-election in 2004, and according to a Gallop Poll from 2 weeks ago, he is to be un-opposed" he said.
"Prior to the Senate?" The President asked.
"Born 4 August 1961. His father was Navy enlisted, mother passed away when he was 5, his father when he was 20. Attended West Point, Class of 1982. Served as a Platoon Leader in Grenada,. Was awarded the Silver Star for Valor. Following that,. He attended Harvard Law, where he attained a law Degree. He is a member of the Bar in Hawaii, DC, Virginia,. Maryland, and Illinois. From 1986-1997 he served as a member of the US Army's JAG Corp, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Came to the National spotlight in 1997 when he prosecuted and convicted Timothy McVeigh" Rex recited.
"Very impressive, you memorized all that?" The President asked.
"Yes Sir, part of my job" he said.
"Do you know why I'm meeting with the Senator this morning?" President McCain asked, really wanting to see how much Rex paid attention.
"He's on your short list for VP" he said. "Along with Senator Chuck Hagel (R-Nebraska)" he said.
"Do you know why I chose them?" he asked.
"Because 2 years ago you campaigned on a 'Nation First' Platform. You caused a huge spilt with Helms, Thurmond and their pals" Rex guessed..
"Fuck them" The President said, getting a laugh out of Rex. "Are you a registered voter, Rex?"
"Yes Sir, I'm what you might call a Liberal Republican" Rex said.
"A Nelson Rockefeller"
"Exactly" Rex said. "In High School, I got fired from my job because I made mistake of saying so" Rex said.
"Where did you work? Write it down for me" The President said. Rex did as instructed. "Debb!" he yelled. "Get this to the Director of the FBI, I want it raided and the owners arrested. I don't car eon what charges, just find them; make them up if you have to" he ordered.
"Yes Sir" she said.
"That's what's wrong with these assholes, their got their heads so far up their fuckin asses, alls they smell is shit" he said.
"Speaking of Senator Helms, his office called early this morning, the Senator demands 10 minutes, today" he said.
"That asshole has been calling for weeks, and I keep telling him no. you'd think he'd of gotten the message by now"
"Sir, it's 10 minutes, why not just speak with him" Rex said.
"Set it up"
"Yes, Mr. President" Rex said.
0730 hours, 25 March 2005, DiNozzo Residence, Base Housing, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
It was just after sunrise when Bridget pulled up to The DiNozzo house. "Here we are" she said as she put her car into park and killed the engine. Like Tony, Bridget had a flair for pure American Muscle. Her latest ride was a red and white 1955 Chevy Bel-Air.
"When I was a kid, I remember my dad leaving and getting home at all hours of the night and day, just like this" Three smiled.
"You look beat kid" she said. "You sure you're gonna be ok?" she asked
"I'll be fine, it was only a ricochet. And I got a couch with my name on it" he said. "I'm gonna make Alexis some breakfast, plop her down in front of the TV, and then I'm out like light" he smiled. "Thanks for the lift" he said as he grabbed his go bag and slide it onto his shoulder. He stepped out of the car, and then pushed the front passenger seat forward. "Come on, Lexi, we're here" he smiled. Alexis stirred a little, but remained asleep. "Alright" he said as he reached in and scooped her up in his arms. With his little cousin in his arms, Three made his way over to the door. Balancing Alexis with one arm, he fished in his pocket for the key wit his other. He quickly found it, unlocked the door, and stepped inside, closing the door with his foot behind him. Alexis yawned as Three placed her down on the couch. "Rise n shine, sleepy head" he sai as he kissed her forehead.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"0735 hours" Three said, not realizing his 7, soon to be 8-year old cousin probably didn't understand military time.
"Can I watch TV?" she asked, pouting her lip.
"Tell ya what' Three said. "Let's make some breakfast 1st, and after that, you can watch all the TV ya want" he smiled.
"Ok" she smiled.
"Pancakes?" Three offered.
"Yay!" Alexis clapped.
A half hour later, breakfast had been eaten, and the dishes washed. After Three had dug through a few closets, he found the box that held all of the old "Thomas the Tank Engine" VHSs. With Alexis now content for the next few hours, Three crashed on the couch and was out like a light before his head even hit the pillow.
1800 hours local time, 25 March 2002, US 3rd Army HQ, Gardez, Afghanistan.
It was just after nightfall as Tony and Chester walked down the street. "So what is it you wanted to talk to me about?" Tony asked as he puffed his cigar.
"You remember that thing we did about 8 years back, in LA?" Chester asked.
"Nope" Tony said, being intentionally vague.
"Right, that we thing we didn't do" Chester said. "That's what I want to talk to you about" he said. "Back before little Johnny was born, my pay was enough, along with what Meg took in working for your dad" he began. "But now she's in D.C, making barely a 1/3 what she made before. It's not enough anymore" Chester said.
"What are you trying to say?" Tony asked.
"I want back in" he said. "From what Meg has told me, your father has severed ties with the 5 families, and you guys are gonna need all the muscle you can spare. Not to mention, what are friends in Israel are facing" Chester said.
"Ok Chest, I'll give it a thought" Tony said.
"Thanks man" Chester said. "So any thoughts on how Hollis Mann found Frank Smith's body?" he asked.
"Actually, I do" Tony said as he pulled a piece of paper from his back pocket. "A source over at Army JAG e-mailed this to me this morning. I read it when we got back" he said. Chester took the paper from him, unfolded it, and gave it a read.
"That mother fuckin son of a bitch" Chester said in shock. "After everything we've done for him" he added. "Let me do it. I'll fly back tonight, that rat will be dead before sundown tomorrow" Chester said.
"Chester" Tony said as he placed his hand on Tony's shoulder. "I appreciate the gesture, but no"
"Top, how do we know you're the only one he gave up? What about me? Malachi? Tali? What about Sonny or Meg?" he said.
"Hold ya horses" Tony said as he held up his hand. "That rat bastard'll get his" Tony said, then he paused. "You want back in right" he said.
"Just say the word" Chester said.
"Not you" Tony said. "But you got a cousin in Leavenworth right?" Tony asked.
"Former Staff Sergeant Robert Hairston, serving life for murdering his CO" Chester said.
"Give him a call" Tony said. "Make sure that Rat bastard gets it in the mouth"
0900 hours, 25 March 2005, Oval Office, West Wing, White House, Washington D.C.
Senator Obama had arrived promptly at 0815, and at current, President McCain was offering the VP Slot to the Senator. Meanwhile, Rex was working at his desk, going over other things he would need for the day. At just after 0900, The President called out for Rex. "Yes Mr. President?" Rex said as he entered the room.
"Rex Bartlett, I would like you to meet the next Vice President of the United States, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois" The President said.
"It's an honor Senator" Rex said as he shook hands with the man.
"It's Rex's 1st day on the job" The President said.
"Quite the interesting 1st day" The Senator commented.
"Yes Sir" Rex said.
"I knew a Bartlett once" The Senator said. "Back when I was Force Judge Advocate for TF Ranger in Somalia, back in 93'" he said.
"That would be my older brother sir, he was killed last year in Afghanistan" Rex said. "He was also me and my sister's guardian" he added.
"After 1st Sergeant Bartlett's death, Rex and his sister Molly were adopted by Tony" President McCain said.
"Tony's a good egg. Didn't I just see his wife out in the hall?" The Senator asked. The room then was engulfed in an awkward silence.
"Kate isn't Rex's adoptive mother" The President said.
"Oh" the Senator said as he stared down at his feet. "My apologies" he said.
"Not to worry" Rex said. Just then, there was a commotion in the outer office. "I'll check on that" Rex said as he turned to leave. But before he had taken 2 steps, an elderly man came barreling through the door. The 3 men quickly recognized him. His name was Jesse Helms, the Senior Senator from North Carolina, and one of the few remaining openly racist members of congress. He was an ardent opponent to McCain's Moderate Faction of The Republican party, and clearly wanted to voice his opinion.
"I knew it. Your gonna offer the job to this nigger!" Senator Helms ranted. "You traitor" he yelled as he lunged for towards the President. Rex quickly stepped in between them. He grabbed Helms' arm, spun him around, and delivered a haymaker square to his jaw, knocking the old man out cold on the floor.
"He's good" The future Vice President commented.
"I know" The President smiled.
1700 hours local time, 25 March 2002, Haifa Lee Breakwater Lighthouse, Port of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
"12 hours, and still no Fainberg" Field Marshall Ben-Gidon growled.
"I got in contact with Lansky back in the US" Rick said. "He's flyin home tomorrow, and we can meet with him day after next" he said.
"Do we have any other leads on Tarzan?" The Field Marshall asked.
"No" Malachi said. "I'll have Marcus check the waterfront warehouses in the morning" he said.
"What about your cousin, Liat?" Rick asked.
"She's not my cousin" Mal said. "And I don't want her involved" Mal said.
"So what's the worst case scenario?" the old man asked.
"Tarzan kills ya, chops off ya heads, and dumps your bodies in the Med" Rick said.
"Fuck you" Mal said.
"Shut up both of you" the elder Ben-Gidon yelled. "Where the hell is Captain Sharon?" he yelled louder.
1710 hours local time, 25 March 2002, Dana David's Apartment, Apartment #371, 3526 Golden Circle Rd, Haifa, Israel.
"What's with all the boxes?" AJ said as he entered the apartment.
"I'm moving out" she replied from the kitchen.
"How come?" he asked as he slipped off his windbreaker.
"Looking for a place that's quieter" she said.
"Any place in particular?" he asked.
"The Lady Moura, a yacht moored in the Harbor" she said.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but the LM is a 344-footer" AJ recalled.
"Yep" Dana said. "I bought it last night" she said.
"How?" AJ asked. "We both get paid the same, how can you possibly afford it?" he asked.
"The David Family is quite wealthy, not to mention the huge amounts of money my parents left me when they died" she explained.
"How much?" he asked as he started snooping around her stuff. He wasn't sure exactly what he was supposed to be looking for, but like Tony had told him, "You'll know it when you see it". He took a look at the 1st box and opened it up. Inside was assorted framed photos and albums, nothing that would get him anywhere. But then he noticed something else: a red baseball cap. Upon further examination, he realized it was a Philadelphia Phillies Cap. He picked it up. It was old, well not that old, but older, from like the Mike Schmidt era.
"A lot" Dana said as she exited the kitchen and walked towards him. "You like baseball?" she asked when she saw him holding the Phillies cap.
"Not really" he lied. Austin Kearns loved baseball. In fact, he was a die-hard fan of The New York Yankees; not an easy thing when you grew up in rural New Hampshire. Marcus Sharon, however, knew nothing about baseball, so that was the way it had to be. "Evidently you are?"
"The hat belongs to my brother Daniel" she said. "He's not around anymore" she said.
"Did he pass away?" AJ asked.
"He was sent to a home… for the mentally less developed" Dana confessed.
"I see" AJ said as he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her into a side hug. "I didn't mean to pry" he said as he kissed the crown of her head.
"Thank you" she said. "I hope you can meet him one day" she said.
"I would be honored" AJ said honestly. "You need any help with all this?" he asked.
"Sure" she smiled as she leaned up and gave him a sweet kiss. "Come on" she said.
1400 hours, 25 March 2005, DiNozzo Residence, Base Housing, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
After a wonderful morning and early afternoon of uninterrupted slumber, Three was finally awoken by Alexis pushing his shoulder. "Three!" she nudged his shoulder again and again.
"What!" he groaned, not opening his eyes.
"There's someone at the door" Alexis said. Hearing that, Three's head quickly shot up. Realizing he was dressed in only his boxers, he quickly rolled off the couch and pulled on his blue jeans.
"Stay here" Three whispered as he grabbed his Beretta from his holster, which was resting on the end table next to the couch. He cocked the hammer, and slowly made his way to the door, his bare feet sliding across the wood floor. "Who is it?" he called.
"Petty Officer Coates" said a female voice.
"What the fuck?" Three said in a low voice.
Three watched as his Uncle, Nathan, and Sister, Liat, loaded Sergeant Sergei Zhukov into the back of the helicopter. As they did, he took off running, back tracking to the building they had just exited from. "Three!" he heard his Uncle Clayton call after him. Three burst into the building, firing off several bursts from his M4. He rushed towards the room at the end of the hall. As he did, he let his M4 fall to his waist. He took a deep breath, and kicked in the door in front of him. When he did, he was shocked at what he saw. Three quickly drew his Beretta and fired of several rounds, killing 2 hostiles. At the back of the room, on the floor, there was a young women, who couldn't have been older than 18. She was cowering in fear as she covered herself with a blanket. Three quickly rushed over to her.
"Don't worry, I'm here to help" he told her in his best Russian. When she didn't respond, he tried again, in Arabic, but again she didn't respond. Then Three noticed something. Behind the girl's left ear, was a small tattoo, a small "J". But the tattoo was smooth, and clean, like something you would find in America, not crude and rough like was common in the former Soviet bloc. "Don't worry, I'm here to help you" he tried in English. Once he said that, the girl turned to him, and they looked at each other, eye to eye. Three quickly holstered his Beretta and slung his rifle across his back. He then scooped the young women up in his arms, holding her tight against his chest. When he turned back to the door, he saw his Uncle Clayton and his father standing there.
"Oh My God" Clay exclaimed when he saw the young women in Three's arms. "Petty Officer Coates?"
"Who?" Tony asked.
"Our asset, the one we sent to find Sergei" Clay said.
While the doctors gave Jenn a thorough going over, Clay and Three stood quietly outside. On the flight home, Britt had been diverted to her next assignment, a M*A*S*H Unit in Afghanistan, and Nathan had gone on home to Little Creek. While they were flying, Clay had explained Jenn's situation to Three. "Director Shepard, has no choice right, she has to give the Petty Officer immunity" he asked his uncle.
"The deal is ironclad, both me and Harm saw to that" Clay replied.
"Good" Three said. "Take care of her Clay" Three said as he slipped away. Once he made his way outside the front entrance, he found his Liat waiting for him.
"Hey little brother" Liat smiled as she leaned up against the side of her car, a dark blue 1968 Ford GT-40 with white racing strips.
"Hey Sis" Three replied as he walked over to her.
"The Petty Officer gonna be ok?"
"Yeah" he replied, with a nod, and a small smile. Then his smile grew as he got an idea. "Ya know, it's onl hour drive or so to NYC from here" he said. "Feel like ruining EJ's holiday?" he joked.
"I'll drive" Liat smiled. On the inside, she smiled even more. "I'm glad your back" she smiled.
"Thanks Sis" Three smiled.
Three opened the door and saw a beautiful young women standing there, dressed in the uniform of a US Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class. "Can I help you?" Three asked, holding his gun behind his back.
"Petty Officer 3rd Class Jennifer Coates" she said. "Jenn" she said as she extended her hand.
"Three" he replied warily as he shook her hand. "How the fuck did you find me?" Three questioned.
"Commander Rabb gave me your address" she said.
"Fuckin asshole" Three muttered under his breath.
"I'm Sorry?" Jenn said.
"Nothing" Three said. "Come in" he said as he stepped back and opened the door fully. He gave her a smile as she stepped over the threshold. He stepped back and carefully placed his gun down on the table, where Jenn couldn't see it.
"You have a lovely home" she said.
"That a joke?" Three said. "It's base housing" he said.
"Still, back in D.C, I share an apartment with 3 other Petty Officers, at least for the time being" she replied.
"You shipping out?" Three asked.
"Next week, USS Seahawk, legalman billet" she said.
"Congrats" he said. "You look good" he complimented her.
"So do you" she smiled as she stared at his bare chest. After a few seconds she realized she was being rude and she averted her eyes. "I brought you this" she said as reached into her shoulder bag. "It's a strawberry rhubarb pie" she said.
"Thanks" Three smiled as he took it from her and placed it on the kitchen counter. When he turned back to her, he saw Alexis in the living room, spying on them from behind the corner. Tony smiled at his little cousin and motioned at her with his fingers fro her to come over. "Jenn, I'd like you to meet someone special" he said as Alexis came over to his side. "Jenn, this is my cousin Alexis" he said. "Alexis, this is my friend Jenn" Three said.
"Hello" Alexis said as she held out her small hand.
"Hello" Jenn said as she dropped down to one knee and shook Alexis' hand. "It's really nice to meet you" she smiled.
"Lexi, why don't you go back to watching some TV" Three said.
"Ok" Alexis said as she rushed off.
"She's a sweet kid" Jenn smiled.
"She takes after her mother" Three said. "My Aunt Kyra" Three said.
"How come she's here with you?" Jenn asked.
"My Uncle is out of town on business" Three said. "Have a seat" he said as he motioned towards the kitchen table. "You wanna beer?" he asked.
"I'm 18" Jenn said.
"So am I" Three said as he pulled 2 Heinekens from the fridge. "I'll be 19 on May 26th. You?" he asked.
"19 on November 8th" she said.
"So what brings you to Fort Bragg?" he asked.
"I wanted to see you… to thank you. You saved my life" she said.
"It's what Uncle Sam pays me to do" Three said.
"You were there to rescue Sergeant Zhukov, but you came back, you came back for me" she said.
"Rangers don't leave men behind" Three said.
"Would you like to go to Dinner sometime?" Jenn asked abruptly.
"Excuse me?" Three asked for clarification.
"Would you let me buy you dinner sometime" she said.
"Jenn, I don't think that would be a good idea" Three said. "The last women I was involved with was killed because she involved with me. Not to mention, I'm returning to duty end of the week. I leave for Bagram on Saturday morning" he said.
"Why aren't you there now?" she asked.
"I got shot" Three said.
"Where?"
"I'm sitting on it" he snarled, causing Jenn to giggle. "Why does everyone thinks it's so funny?" Three said.
"I'll stop laughing, if you let me buy you dinner" she said.
"My Grandmother would kill me if I let you pay" Three said. "My Aunt Robin is coming down tomorrow night to pickup Alexis" he told her. "How about Thursday Night?" he asked with a smile.
2000 hours local time, 25 March 2002, United States Military Disciplinary Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
It was just before lights out when former 2nd Lieutenant William Hazard was pulled from his cell by 2 guards and brought to the cell block's payphone. Despite having had been a Captain when he was convicted, he had been demoted to 2nd Lieutenant as part of his sentence, not to mention the dishonorable discharge. When they reached the phone, the guards took off the handcuffs and Billy picked up the phone. "Yeah" he said.
"Hi Billy" said a familiar voice.
"Captain Sullivan" Billy replied, scorn in his voice.
"How's prison? Any boyfriends yet?"
"Fuck you, bitch!" Billy yelled. "Because of you I missed the birth of my son" he said.
"Because of you, Hollis Mann found Frank Smith's body" Bridget told him. The second the words hit his ears, Billy's heart skipped a beat. "You signed an immunity agreement with that bitch"
"I'm a father now, I had to protect my future" he said, trying to justify his actions.
"Nice try Hitman" Bridget began. "You signed the deal over a year ago" Bridget snapped. "Right after Colonel Colleton let you in on the Unit's dirty little secret"
"I was doing my duty" he said.
"You're a rat Billy"
"Well, at least I'll have a cellmate now" Billy smiled.
"Not likely, the charges were dropped and the investigation quashed. You betrayed us Billy, after we took you in, made you one of us. No more Billy"
"You think you can threaten me?"
"It's no threat, Billy… You've been Greenlit" she said as she hung up on him. The phone dropped from Billy's hand. He was so stunned he didn't hear the double click from behind him. When he finally did turn, it was far too late. The man fired off both barrels from a sawed-off shotgun at very short range. By the time Billy Hazard's body hit the ground, his face and most of his skull were gone.
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(Tali's Voice)- Next time on "28 Seconds: Strength & Honor"-
When a raid by the Unit nets one of Architects of September 11th, Tony, Chester & Three are called to testify for the prosecution at Military Tribunal aboard the USS Seahawk. Meanwhile,