Only a few people heard Scott's yell , due to the noise of the machnery . Scott called over a man standing not to far away from him .
" Can i help you ? " He asked , his face not showing any fear .
" Who is in charge of this operation ? " Scott asked in a stern voice .
" That would be Mr Menzies , he his the general manager here . " The man replied .
" Can you take me to see him . Agent Thomas you are with me , the rest of you stay here . " Scott told them in a strong voice .
Katherine indicated to Scott she needed to speak to him . As he approached her , she leaned in and whispered to him . " The warrent as not come through yet . "
" No worries at the moment , i just want to talk to the manager , but see if you can gee it up a little . " Scott told Katherine .
She turned away from him and pulled her phone out of her pocket . Scott began to follow the man , who led him up some stairs to a mezzamine floor and a small office .
The man knocked on the door , when told to enter he opened the door and led Scott into a small office , furnished just with a desk , a filing cabinet and the seat on which Mr Menzies sat .
" This is Agent Scott Walters he is with Homeland . " The man explained .
" Just what can i do for Homeland today ? " Asked Mr Menzies .
" First what do you actually do here and how long have you worked out of these premises ? " Asked Scott .
Mr Menzies thought for a moment before answering . " We signed a lease with a firm called Baltic Holdings , who originally used it a storage wharehouse , of what i do not know . That was about seven years ago .
As regard to what we do here . We are manufactures of special packingcases , you know when large pieces of equipment needs to be protected , we can make special wooden cages or large solid wooden crates . " Mr Menzies explained .
" You cannot survive on just specially made cases , can you ? " Scott replied .
" We also manufacture crates and packing cases for general use . In fact for the first six months we were here , Baltic Holdings was one of our best customers . They could order up to 100 crates all mainly the same size although at times they did order different specifications . " Mr Menzies told him .
" What about the rent , were is that paid into ? " A somewhat confused Scott asked .
" Since the first payment the rent is paid direct to the same bank account . "
" Would you be prepared to give me the account number and the name of the bank it is held in ? Then could you show me the invoices that were raised for Baltic Holdings . " Scott asked in a more friendly voice .
" If it keeps us out of trouble , it will be my pleasure . " Said Mr Menzies as he got up off his chair and walked across to the filing cabinet .
It took him a few minutes to find the file , as it was not a current customer . He handed a large green folder to Scott , then went back to the cabinet pulled another folder out retrived some information and made a note on a piece of paper which he also handed to Scott .
" That is the bank's address and the account number were the rent is paid into . That is all the information we have on Baltic Holdings . " Menzies told Scott .
Scott placed the folder on the desk and began to quickly flick through it . " Did all your deliveries for the cases go to the same address ? " Scott asked .
" It as been a long time , but i am almost certain they did . "
" Would you mind if we take this file with us , i will give you a receipt for it . Once the case is resolved i will ensure that everything is returned to you . We do not really want to cause any more trouble , as everything else seems correct and you have no connection to Baltic Holdings except as tenants . One more question the crates which you supplied them in quantity do you get anymore orders similar from any other source ? "
Menzies took no time in answering . " You are welcome to take the file . The answer to your second question is not really , we have supplied a few over the years to various customers , but they mainly are for the odd one or two crates . "
Scott reached over and shook his hand . " Thank you very much for your help . I am sorry we burst in as we did and if we caused any concern to any of your staff .
" No problem at all i hope you get whatever who or what you are after . " Replied Menzies as he shook Scott's hand .
A few minutes later Scott and Agent Thomas were back with the rest of the group . Scott led them all out of the door , as they walked back to the cars , Scott gave a quick explanation of what had gone on in the office .
He pulled Katherine to one side . " We have an address were the crates were delivered to . Once we are back at the office we will need another search warrent and a team again . Can you arrange that .
Walter's office .
Walter had returned to his office at 1.30pm. , after spending an enjoyable lunch with his two favourite ladies . Cabe had phoned him just as he arrived back at the office , Cabe had asked him if he could talk to Paige about the removal of all the Baltic Holdings items in the house and put as a temporary measure , into the building in the garden . Also once Walter had agreed to help Homeland , subject to Richard's approval , if he would ask Paige if she would allow Ralph time of school to help .
Once he finished the phone call with Cabe he began to check out a proposal that Richard had left on his desk during the morning . He had been studing it for about a hour when his mobile rang again .
He pulled the phone out of his pocket , as he saw the I.D. on his phone , a smile broke out on his face .
" Good afternoon Rachel , i hope you are well and have some good news for me . "
Rachael " Good afternoon to you Walter , and the answer to both of your questions is yes . "
Walter " Does that mean the ring is ready ? "
Rachael " Ready and waiting your collection . I must admit while working on the ring , the more work i did on it , i realized just what a brilliant design the ring was . I would really like to speak to her some more , maybe we could do some work together . It might even be possible to start her own line of jewellry . "
Walter " Are you serious ? "
Rachael " Most definatly , but that is not why i phoned you , when do you want to see and collect the ring ? "
Walter " I don't know why i should be surprised at your idea , when i first met Paige she was working as a waitress at the diner i was repairing the Wi-Fi . As soon as i saw her i was taken by her actions , she never seemed to get upset with customers , she was helpful and friendly to them all , while keeping an eye on her son , Ralph , who at the time doctors thought of him as mentally deficient . But i saw something in him , i was similer at his age .
Having been asked by Homeland to help on an emergency . We ended up at the diner again , so we could use the Wi-Fi . Her help during that problem was unbeliveble , so much so i offered her a job , which to my surprise , but pleasure , she accepted . During her time at Scorpion , due to her knowledge and quick thinking mind , she helped stop what could have been a nasty war in Eastern Europe . She was also a big reason we could rescue Richard's daughter from drug dealers in Mexico . Also her courage and bravery are unlimited . "
Rachael " Well she is certainly a person i want to meet , even if she is not interested in designing jewellry . "
Walter " I know you two will get on on well . At the moment , she is checking on more of the art work in the house , so she can do some more research . With regard to the ring i would like to have it by Saturday , but i am tied up with work at the moment , i am not sure . "
Rachael " Were is Richards office ? "
Walter " It is situated in South L.A. "
Rachael " We moved a few years ago and now live in the Hyde Park area of South L. A. Text me the address of your office and i will see if i can bring the ring to you . "
Walter " I will text you immediatly , just let me know . It as been good talking to you again , hope to hear from you soon . "
Rachael " Good speaking to you Walter , i will try and get back to you before 5.00pm. Bye ."
Walter immediatly texted the address to Rachel then got back to checking the proposal .
Homeland office L.A.
Once the two teams arrived back at the office they all met again in the conference room for a debrief . Scott went into more detail of what had happened when he went to the office to see Mr Menzies .
Once he had completed his explanation he went over what he wanted done the next day .
" Today , all though not the result we hoped for did not happen , i know i stated Baltic Holdings was at the bottom of my list . If there is any chance of stopping more guns getting into the open market , we need to do something . Tomorrow i want to visit the address were the crates were delivered to . I know it was over six years since any have been delivered , but once the Scrivens were dead , the place may have been locked up and left empty , If we are lucky .
Katherine have you arranged the warrents ? "
Katherine simply said . " In progress . " Scott nodded at her and continued speaking . " Katherine can we use the same teams as today ? " Katherine smiled and nodded .
Scott then carried on speaking . " Good we will all meet back here at 9.00am. tomorrow . Now i must phone Richard , to see if it is alright for Walter to help us on Carlson's account . "
At that they all split up and went back to their jobs . Katherine and Cabe made their way back to Carlson's office , now Katherine's .
Walter's office .
Around 4.30pm . Walter's internal phone rang .
" Hello . "
" Hi Walter , i have just been speaking to Scott , I am happy for you to help him out over Carlson's account . "
" Thank you Richard ,as i want Ralph to help , we will go over to the garage at the weekend and see how much we can get done . If we need to work Monday , i will give you a ring on Sunday night , if that is alright with you . "
" Of course Walter , what ever suits you . I will see you tomorrow , bye . "
Just as he put his internal phone down , his mobile phone rang . The I. D. showed Rachael , his face again broke into a smile .
" Hello Rachael . "
" Hi Walter , would 3.00pm. tomorrow be alright to bring the ring to you ? "
" That would be fine , come to reception and ask for me and i will come down and meet you ."
" Great i will see you then , bye for now . "
Walter arrived at Paige's condo at his usual time of 5.45pm. , letting himself in with his own key . Paige having heard the door open , rushed out of the kitchen and ran to Walter , hugged him and kissed him , a kiss that Walter was happy to return .
As they broke the kiss , Walter put his mouth close by Paige's ear and whispered . " Is Ralph around ?"
Paige pulled her head away from Walter's and with a confused look on her face asked . " Why ? "
Walter gave a smile . " I need to ask you something and at the moment i do not want Ralph to hear . "
Paige smiled back at him and in a very low voice asked . " What do you want to ask me ? "
Walter leaned in again and whispered in her ear . " Scott wants us to find all the other people who have deposited money in Carlson's account . Richard as given permisson , but i have told him we will work over the weekend to see how we get on . If we do not finish by Sunday evening would you allow Ralph to miss school until we have found them all . "
Paige moved her mouth to Walter's ear . " Of course , but maybe only for two days . I must admit i like this way of talking to you . " She told Walter as she gently kissed his ear .
They released their hug , Paige made her way back to the kitchen , Walter to the bedroom to wash before the evening meal , but most of all to see Megan , who was fast asleep in her cot .
After the meal Walter , Paige and Ralph sat on the sofa . Walter turned to Paige . " I have a bit of luck to tell you . "
A big smile came on Paige's face . " Don't keep me in suspence then .
" Walter tried to put a serious look on his face , but failed as soon as he spoke , the smile in his eyes gave him away . "Scott as assigned four Agents to move all of the Baltic Holdings Items into the building in the garden . Could you meet them at the house at 10.00am on Monday ? "
Paige's face told the whole story . " You bet , that could mean we could move into the house sooner than we thought . "
Walter the smile on his face matching the one on Paige's face . " I guessed that would be your answer . "
As they finished speaking , they all heard Da, Da , coming through the baby monitor .
Paige got up from the sofa. " It would appear the little lady , as picked up you are here . I will go and fetch her for a little cuddle from Da, Da . " A big smile appearing on her face as she spoke .
She was back a couple of minutes later , a very noisy Megan in her arms , she gently placed Megan into Walter's safe arms . Megan immediatly settled , gave a little giggle and uttered Da, DA.
Friday Walter was at his desk by 8.45am. having dropped Ralph off at school . Ralph was still feeling excited that he would be working with Walter on the Carlson accounts over the next two days .
Most of the morning was uneventful and by 12.30pm he was getting into Paige's car for their meeting with Ann .
Homeland office L.A.
At 9.00 am. the same ten people were seated around the conferrnce table , one exception , Agent McKenize had replaced Agent Smith , who had taken over down in the cell block .
Scott banged his hand on the table , to achieve the silence he required .
" Good morning everyone , today we need to check out the address that the crates were delivered to . I know it happened over six years ago , but we cannot risk the 1% we may find a cache of arms , we have to take that chance . Once we have checked this one lead out we will need to concentrate on making sure Ex Director Carlson goes down for a long time . Any questions ? "
No one made any effort to speak , Scott continued speaking . " Ok , thirty minutes meet up in the garage with protective gear , Agent Mckenzie you will be on my team . Now go get ready , see you all in the garage . Thirty minutes , DO NOT BE LATE . "
Everyone left the conference room to get ready for the raid . Fifty minutes later the three car convoy pulled up 100yards from the address , after getting out thier cars , they split into their two teams . Katherine passed Scott the warrent .
Scott led his team towards the address , another wharehouse , but a lot smaller than the one raided yesterday . Once again Katherine led her team 10 yards behind Scott's team . this time there were no cars parked alongside the building , again Scott put his team on the right side of the rollershutter , Katherine's team on the left .
This time when he tried the handle of the personnel door , he felt resistance , it was locked . He removed a set of lock picks from his pocket and expertly open the lock . He took care to turn the handle and opened the door , which creaked as he opened it , looking through the door he could see very little as the place was in darkness . He pulled a small torch out of his pocket and shone it inside , all it showed was dust floating in the beam of light from his torch . Scott stepped inside the wharehouse and shone his torch on the walls of the wharehouse , it picked up a board of switches , he carefully made his way over to it and tried a couple of switches , two banks of lights came on and lit up what appeared to be an empty wharehouse . He called the rest of the team in .
" Ok it would appear this is another dead end , but we need to check every corner just in case something as been left behind . Katherine could you take your team and check the office area ,my team check every piece of the wharehouse .
After a hour , the search had not turned anything up , except some odd scraps of paper with words on , that had been found stuck inside a filing cabinet .
" Ok , this is another pointless exercise , we had better locate the landlord and find out when this became empty . "
Anne Curtes's office .
Paige , carrying Megan in her bassenet , and Walter were entering the office .
" Good afternoon Paige , Walter and of course Megan . "
Both Paige and Walter returned the greeting , Megan made a sort of gurgerling noise . This bought a smile to Ann's face .
Ann leaned forward a little in her chair before speaking , " Today i would like to talk about Ralph .Why does he have such strong feelings for Walter and Walter have for him , considering they are not related by blood . "
Walter looked over at Paige who had a smile on her face . " Well i think i can explain why Ralph looks on Walter as his dad . But i need to start the story when Ralph was born . " Paige explained .
Ann , her hands clapsed together , simply said . " I am all ears . "
Paige began telling her story . " When Ralph was born , through his years as a toddler , both myself and Drew , his biological father , noticed he never wanted to play with toys , he would just sit on the floor and stare . Before he was five he had been pushed from one doctor to another , all giving the same sort of diagnosis . His brain obviousely had not formed as normal , in other words he was mentally deficent . He would not talk , except a few words to me , he pulled away from any touch . By the time he was three Drew had walked out. I had to work two sometimes three jobs , just to try and keep a roof over our head , even then a couple of times we had to live out of my car .
All this changed , while i was working at a diner , when in walked Walter to repair the WI-FI , he noticed what Ralph was doing on the counter and went over to him and began playing chess , using salt and pepper pots and other items on the counter . He also told my boss not to shout at Ralph . A couple of hours later he was back with his team plus agents from Homeland .
During the time he was there , he told me Ralph was a genius and painted my nails so he could hold my hands . Walter offered me a job once the emergency was over , that was when things began to get a lot better . "
By the time Paige finished speaking she had tears running down her cheeks . Ann passed her a box of tissues , while Walter looked at her full of love and yet with a certain amount of concern .
" Are you alright Paige ? " he asked .
" Yes , just a little emotional . " Paige replied as she wiped the tears from her cheeks .
Ann gave her a few minutes to recover before she spoke . " You certainly had a hard and difficult time , while Ralph was growing up . I wonder would Walter care to fill me in on Ralph's progress since he came into his life . "
Walter looked at Paige , showing some fear in his eyes . Paige immediatly realized what was wrong . " Walter would you like to hold Megan and maybe tell her what you think about Ralph ? "
Walter's face broke out in a big smile . " That would be a good idea ."
Paige gently removed Megan from her bassenet and put her into Walter's arms , Megans face broke into a big smile as she uttered Da, Da .
Walter a big smile on his face began speaking . " This is our first cuddle today and i am really enjoying it . "
Megan's smile seemed to get bigger and she again uttered Da, Da. Walter could not speak for a few minutes he just stared at Megan .
Paige reached over and gently touched Walter on the arm and quietly said . " Walter . "
Walter looked up from Megan and looked at Paige and smiled , then looked back at Megan . " Mommy is telling me to get on with my explanation . This about your big brother . When i first saw him sitting at the counter were your mommy was working , i saw a lot of me in him at that age and once i played chess with him , i knew he was a genius . Once your mommy came to work with , Ralph was around the garage a lot , were he was surrouned by people who understood him . Almost immediatly i looked upon him as my son , just like grandpa Cabe looks upon me as his son .
My happiest times have been when working with Ralph and mommy being close by . My saddess time was when mommy left me and and took your big brother with her . "
Both Walter and Paige had tears running down their cheeks . Paige removed a tissue from the box and gently wiped the tears from Walter's face . She then wiped her own tears away .
Ann had been watching Paige all the time Walter was talking to Megan . Once both Walter and Paige had settled she began speaking . " I was watching you Paige all the time Walter was talking about Ralph . I could see the pride in your face while Walter revealed what he thought about Ralph . I would say he his a very lucky boy , to have two parents like you . However i would like to have a short talk with him , alone . Could you somehow arrange that ? "
Paige looked at Walter , Walter smiled and just said . " It is your call ."
Paige first looked down then raised her head a smile on her face . " Not this time it as to be a joint decision . "
Walter looked a little surprise . " But you always tell me Ralph is your son , so you make the decision . "
" Not anymore , if we are going to move in together soon , you will have to take the father role more seriously . Do you remember what you said about Megan ? " Paige said as a big smile came back on her face .
Walter answered immediatly . " Of course , i want to be involved in all parts of her life . The good , the bad , the pleasant and the unpleasant . Why ? "
" Because now the same is going to be for Ralph , maybe once we are settled in our new house , we could look into you adopting Ralph as your son . "
First Walter's mouth dropped open , then he managed a big smile . He looked back at Megan . " Did you hear mommy , she wants me to be a proper daddy to Ralph as well as you . "
Megan uttered "Ral ."
All three adults were amazed it was Ann who was first to speak . " Did Megan just try and say Ralph ? "
Both Paige and Walter looked at each other and said together . " That's our girl . "
Before leaving they decided that next Wednesday , they would bring Ralph so Ann could speak to him while Paige and Walter stayed in the waiting room . Then for the remainder of the session they would sit in as a family .
Paige dropped Walter off at the office just after 2.00pm. . He went to his office , he found he could not do any work as he was to excited for 3.00pm. to arrive , he hoped Rachael would not be late .
A little after 3.00pm. his internal phone rang , it was reception to tell him he had a visitor in reception . He immediatly got up from behind his desk and made his way to reception .
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Pearligirl Thank you . I have reached Grykon and he his well . he still suffering from writers block as far as Scorpion go . But both Grykon and myself were very concerned that you had put your private phone number on an open public site , please , we are both asking you not to do that again , we do not have any knowledge or control over who reads the stories . To be on the safe side i have deleted your review for chapter 21 . I am not trying to tell you off , it is just our concern over what can happen if the wrong sort of person gets your number . I hope you are keeping well and will keep on enjoying all the Scorpion stories ,
Grykon Thank you and who knows when the trio may appear .
LouBe96 Maybe not Pc , but at times who cares chapter 24 will maybe explain a little more , i don't think the trio will be needed to put Agent Thomas in his place . A twist you say , it is a case of wait and see .