“It’s a long complicated story, and . . . and there’s an investigation. So I can’t discuss it.”
“Sara was involved wasn’t she, Mickey?” Mom asked nodding her head. “We warned you about her and, and that family of hers. Are you in trouble?”
I squeezed her hand. “I’m going to be fine.” I needed to change the subject. “So you met my friend Kate, Kate O’Shaughnessy.”
Dad nodded. “Yeah, we met in the waiting room. Nice lady.” He eased Mom toward the foot of the bed, taking her place, and touched my shoulder. “How are you, son?” He leaned down close to my ear and whispered so mom couldn’t hear. “Are you in trouble? I want to know what the hell happened? Is there something I can do? Do you need a lawyer? Should your mother and I be on the alert? Talk to me.”
“Based on what I know right now; if you had your talisman, you should keep it close and your .45 closer,” I whispered. “I’ll know more this afternoon.”
“We’re staying the night,” he said. “We’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Great.”
“We’ll step out so the police lady has a chance to visit,” Mom said. “She said she has to go to work today. Said she’s from Asheville. She drove all the way here and is going back in one day. That says a lot. She’s very nice and obviously very worried about you. And she’s on the right side of the law. Why haven’t you told us about her?”
“Mom, Kate is just a friend, a good friend.”
Mom stepped over and kissed my cheek. “We’ll be back later. Enjoy your visit with your friend and then get some rest.”
Dad waved and glanced at Mom. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Hat in hand, Kate walked in wearing her uniform; tall and yet gracefully feminine. I had never seen a police uniform look so good.
Her red hair touched her shoulders, framing her features tense with concern. She sat on the edge of the bed, wafting me with her vanilla scent. Leaning over me, her green eyes scanned my face. She touched my forehead with her warm hand. “You’re very warm. Are you okay? When I called, they told me you’d been shot in the chest. I . . . most people don’t survive a chest wound. Needless to say, it was a long drive here.”
“Thanks for coming. It means a lot to me. I’m fine. A slight fever. I was lucky. Just need some time. How did you find out I was here?”
“A double homicide in Asheville followed by another the next day in Columbia, both of mob thugs, causes police departments to talk. I got a briefing last night before my shift. But don’t worry, I’m not here officially. I’m wearing the uniform because I have to work tonight when I get back. I just,” she glanced away, “I wanted to make sure you were okay. Are you, really?”
“The bullet punctured a lung and nicked some ribs. But other than being very sore, everything is mending and functioning.”
“Thank God.” She touched my cheek. “I fear you’ve gotten yourself into a real mess. Off the record, did you meet Sara at the Forrest Manor in Asheville? Were you involved in that shooting as well? If you were, the police will find out, Mick. The State boys are good. I’ve seen them in action.”
Her words joined the other threatening thoughts nibbling at my mind since the detective’s earlier visit.
“Kate, let it be. I don’t want you involved in any of this. Distance yourself. Go back to Asheville and forget that we met. Live your dream. Go to college and become a nurse. I’m sure you’d be great at whatever you decide to do. Please. Don’t let my problems affect you.”
“Mick, I’m not prying. I want to help. Word is you’re going to be charged with two counts of murder. And that’s scares me, Mick. It was Sara, wasn’t it? Where is she anyway?”
“I don’t know,” I said.
“God, why did you have to see her? I . . . never mind. Here I go speaking my mind again.” She took my hand. “Is there anything I can do for you, anything?”
“You’ve already done it just by being here. You’re a great friend, Kate, but-”
“Mick, I came because, because I want to be a lot more than a friend. Yeah, I know we barely know each other. But I’ve never felt like this about anyone, ever. I’m just me, and I can’t keep my feelings cooped up, never have and never will.” She bent over and kissed me, a soft short kiss. She stood and retreated a wisp of vanilla away. “I know you care for Sara, but I want you and her to know that I’m not going away. Like you, I fight for what I want. I’ll be back.” She turned and left the room.
Chapter One-Hundred-One
Seeing Mom and Dad, all the emotions, the questions, and Kate’s declaration, and then later the nurse’s and doctor’s painful probing, I was a mental and physical wreck.
Thank God I was able to take a nap.
Just before one o’clock in the afternoon, a man in a suit came into my hospital room. He set a phone on my tray-table, and wired the phone line into a jack in the wall. And just as abruptly, he left without saying a word to me.
With a grunt and a grimace, I sat up as best I could.
I’d had no problem talking to Harry Truman, though he was the President of the United States, he was Harry, a common man, a veteran, like my dad. But J. Edgar Hoover, I wasn’t sure about.
Precisely at thirteen-hundred-hours, the phone rang.
“Sergeant Mick Mackenzie?” a male voice asked.
“Yes.”
“Mr. Hoover, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is calling. And this call will be recorded. One moment please.”
Without thinking, I straightened my hospital gown and finger-combed my hair.
“Mr. Mackenzie,” a deep voice said. “This is J. Edgar Hoover. First, let me say I have great respect for any recipient of the Medal of Honor.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Obviously, you have also won the ear of the President. Harry told me your story involving my agent Ben Parsons and your friend. He also told me of your concern of a security breach in my organization. Rest assured, that is not true.” His pride enhanced the firmness in his tone. “But for Harry’s peace of mind, I had one of my staff go through Parsons’ desk and files. And Ben did have a substantial amount of indicting information on both the Venturini and Trafficante families. We concluded the only way he could’ve gotten this detailed information was via someone on the inside. And by the way, that evidence will be used to issue arrest warrants pending the outcome of our call. You have my attention, sir.”
“What I’m about to tell you is . . . is I killed two men. And my actions weren’t in self-defense but rather to save my friend. But without the whole unaltered story, you won’t understand. And I need both your understanding and your help.”
“Go ahead, Sergeant.”
I recited Sara’s story to him, from Wilmington College to today. When I finished, I was both relieved and exhausted.
“So you have no idea where Sara Wiggs is now?” the Director asked.
“No. But that’s where I need your help. We must find her before the mob does. She’s the source of all the evidence. She’s the witness you’ll need for convictions. And, selfishly, I love her and want her to be safe.”
“You realize that if we do find her, and she agrees to be a witness for the government, we cannot guarantee her protection thereafter.”
“What? The United States of America can’t protect her?”
“The best thing for her to do after testifying would be to change her appearance and her name and leave the country. And we can help her with at least the paperwork, new birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, social security number, so on.”
“But . . . but we want to be together. Can you help me as well?”
“First of all, the JAG Corps will have to make a judgment about your actions. It’s up to them to decide if you broke the law.” There was a muffled voice in the background. “Hold one moment, Sergeant.”
His words sunk in like a chunk of lead in my gut. I had just admitted to the Director of the FBI that I’d killed two men; no, that I’d murdered two me
n. I had just indicted myself. But they were kidnappers. Would that matter? How did I justify taking the law into my own hands?
My head was shaking back and forth, and I was in a hospital room by myself. After all I’d been through, to end my life in the electric chair was unthinkable.
Mr. Hoover cleared his throat. “If you are found innocent, we can give you new paperwork as well. But if you want her to have a chance, I’d recommend she leaves by herself. Your face has been broadcast across this country and most probably in many foreign lands as well by minimally “The Stars and Stripes” newspaper. Frankly speaking, by being with her, you greatly lessen her chances of survival.”
I blew out a breath. The JAG Corps decision about my future didn’t matter; without Sara my life was over regardless.
Chapter One-Hundred-Two
Two long days later, Lieutenant Commander Wayne Hodges of the JAG Corps entered my hospital room after breakfast. He set a paper bag on my tray table and saluted me.
I’d never get used to that.
“Well, Sergeant Mackenzie, though you’re not healthy enough to be released, I’ve returned to inform you of the JAG’s decision regarding the shooting incident. Two days ago, J. Edgar Hoover, after talking with you, personally called the commander of JAG Corps and told him your actions saved a government witness from sure death at the hands of the Mafia. And that witness’s testimony will incarcerate most of the members of two major mob families operating in Youngstown, Ohio, New York City, and Miami. And the admiral was impressed when Mr. Hoover referred to your actions as heroic not felonious. Therefore, Sergeant, JAG Corps has exonerated you from any charges. You are free to go after your recovery.”
I released a pent-up sigh. My mind had run through all the possible JAG judgments way too many times. “Thank you, Lieutenant Commander, thank you so much.”
“Thank Mr. Hoover, he made it happen.”
“I will, but I’m sure you had an influence.” I eased my legs over the edge of the bed and stood, fighting a pain-induced grimace. Though the nurses had me walking the halls, my upper back and chest muscles were a long way from mended. I braced and slowly saluted him, for a change.
Hodges returned the salute.
“What’s in the bag?” I asked.
“Your clothes were ruined. So I had one of your uniforms, underwear, socks, shoes, the works, driven up from Parris Island. You’ll need something to wear when you’re released.”
“That was mighty considerate of you.”
“Don’t mention it. Although if you want to repay me, slow down with this hero stuff. You need to start living a normal life, Sergeant.”
“I concur, sir,”
“One last thing and I’ll leave you be,” Hodges said grabbing the door handle. “Yesterday, responding to a call from your parents, the FBI verified that a black Cadillac found in your parents’ driveway, was the mob car used to abduct Sara. The blood in the back seat matched one of the bodies found in Kroger’s parking lot.”
“In my parents’ driveway?” I asked. “Are my parents okay?”
“Yes, they’re fine.”
My mind ping-ponging between whether this was a message from Sara or from Johnny Venturini.
“That’s all we know for now. Be safe, and I wish you a full recovery, Sergeant. It was an honor meeting you.” He opened the door, froze, and then closed it. “I almost forgot, there was something else,” he said looking over his shoulder, “something rather strange.”
“What?”
“There were dozens of surgical masks tied onto everything they could be tied to inside the car; the steering wheel, the door and window handles, the radio controls, everything.”
I plopped down on the bed as a smile creased my face. “Oh my God.” Then I sat up losing the smile. “Shit.”
“What?” he asked, releasing the door and taking a step toward me.
I opened a nightstand drawer where all my personal effects were and removed everything including the keys to my ol’ Hudson. “I have to go. I know where Sara is, and I need to get there before the mob does.”
“What are you doing, Sergeant? You haven’t been released yet.”
“Sir, I’m fine. But I need a favor, a short ride,” I said.
“How about a favor for an explanation?” he asked.
“Deal.” I grabbed the paper bag. “Would you mind pulling your car up to the front door, while I get dressed. I’ll meet you there and explain everything on the way.”
Chapter One-Hundred-Three
My mid-morning seemed to be getting more and more hopeful with each passing second; and the seconds more significant.
Dressed in my uniform, I was hastily tying my shoe in my hospital room when there was a soft tap on my door.
I glanced at my watch. Hodges was supposed to meet me in his car at the front door. That couldn’t be him knocking, plus he wouldn’t knock. “Come in,” I said, as I finished tying my other shoe and straightened.
Kate, dressed in her police uniform, walked in and, upon seeing me, stopped. “There’s no way they could be releasing you already.”
“Hi to you too, Kate. I, ah, I didn’t expect you’d be back so soon.”
“Obviously.” She fisted her hips. “What’s going on, Mick?”
“I got tired of my bare butt hanging out of the back of those hospital gowns.”
She nodded. “Sure. Where’re you going, Mick, to a parade?” She held out her arms. “We could go together.”
“Remember Lieutenant Commander Hodges, the JAG Corps lawyer?”
“Yeah, your folks and I met him when we were waiting to see you.”
“He’s taking me for a ride.”
Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my God, no. Are they charging you with murder, Mick? Is he taking you to the . . . the brig? You haven’t healed yet. They can’t do that.”
I closed the gap between us and removed her trembling hand from her mouth.
“It’s nothing like that. Hodges just told me I’m not going to be charged. I, I left my car parked on the street. I need to go get it before someone takes it.”
“That’s crazy. You need to stay here and mend. Give me your keys, I’ll get your car.”
“Something’s come up. I’ve got to go.”
I tried to step around her, and she blocked my way.
“Hmm.” She tapped her chin. “What happened to that ’foundation built on truth’ that you wrote in your first letter to me?” Her green eyes fixed on mine. “Such a great letter.”
I held her stare. “You’re right. You deserve the truth. And when I wrote that letter I didn’t know the truth. Sara had been forced to lie to me. She was being blackmailed by an FBI agent.” I glanced at my watch. “That’s a long story which you need to hear, but I don’t have the time right now.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “Tell me why you don’t have the time, Mick? What do you have to do that’s so important?”
“Sara’s hiding. She needs help. And I know where she’s at.”
Chapter One-Hundred-Four
“Kate, you’re not going,” I said as I pushed the first floor button on the panel.
Kate hopped inside the hospital elevator just before the doors closed.
“I can’t believe how short your memory is.” Kate smirked. “The mob is searching for Sara. If they happen to arrive while you’re there, you not only could use back-up, this time you’ll need a witness. Plus, I’m pretty good with Mr. Smith & Wesson. And I’m a cop who became involved in a confrontation. The defense rests.”
I took a deep breath, scanning her, as the floor softly dropped below our feet. Her thick red hair, those blazing Irish green eyes, her dimpled chin. She was as stubborn as she was pretty.
“I appreciate what you’re saying as well as the offer, but no. There won’t be any problems. No one knows where she is. And I’ll make sure I’m not followed. I’ll get her and turn her over to the FBI, and that will be that.”
“What do you mean, tha
t will be that?”
“The Feds will protect her until she testifies. Then they’ll give her slightly changed looks, a new identity with a fictitious history, and bury her somewhere in this vast country. All ties to her prior life will be severed, and she’ll start over; a new life.”
“And they’ll do the same for you, and you’ll go with her, right?” Her head cocked slightly.
“Your dad recognized me. The nurse at the hospital knew who I was. No. If I went with her I’d get both of us killed. She’ll have a chance by herself.”
Her stern expression eased into a hint of joy. “Now I know I’m going.” She rested her palm on the butt of her 40 caliber S&W.
The elevator clunked to a stop, and the doors opened. I stepped out, and Kate followed.
A grey four-door Plymouth with a government tag was parked at the front door, spewing exhaust.
As I reached the front doors, I stopped and turned to face her. “Kate, you’re wasting-”
“I’m going. You can’t stop me. It’s a free country,” a smile creased her face, “thanks to certain Marines I know.”
I opened the door for her and followed her out to Hodges’ car.
He’d gotten out. “We got company, Sergeant?”
“’Fraid so, Lieutenant Commander.”
Several quiet blocks later, Hodges slightly turned his head as he drove. “Where are we dropping Miss O’Shaughnessy?” he asked over his shoulder.
“We’re not,” I said from the back seat. “She’s riding with you back to the hospital.”
“I wasn’t planning on going back to the hospital, Sergeant,” Hodges said. “I think you know where Sara Wiggs is hiding and you’re going there. My plan was to follow you in case you needed some help.”
“And what kind of help would that be, Lieutenant Commander, helping any thugs we may encounter with due process?” Kate asked.
He glanced at Kate and then returned his focus to the road. “The Navy sent me to the Quantico FBI Academy, Miss. Included in the extensive curriculum was hand-to-hand combat and small arms training. I was tops in my class.”
Mickey's Wars Page 30
