Making New Memories

by Karen Ward

  Stump says, "Still quite a few victims haven't been identified but here is the last list the detective sent to us."

  Barry scans the list but none of the names ring a bell. Barry says, "Well, I guess we better call the detective and have him pick up Jim. Once he is in custody I'll go talk to him and see what's going on."

  Stump says, "He and Dylan were good friends too. Maybe Dylan should go talk to him. We don't want to expose you to anymore danger until we know for sure."

  Barry explains, "Dylan is not due to be released for another couple of weeks. It'll depend on how quickly they pick up Jim. I'm still bothered by the set of prints we didn't get a hit on.

  Pinky returned from DC after two days spent with their FBI contact. He tells the guys they are launching a full investigation. They are expecting it to take several months and they will let him know if anything significant develops.

  Detective Long is grateful for the information provided by Drake Security. He immediately puts out an APB for Jim Burleson. The police find him on his current job site getting a thirty six story office tower in downtown LA ready to implode. When they approach him he is very cordial and friendly. Confused by their questions, he surrenders without incident.

  ******

  Dylan progresses through his treatment at a rapid pace and is released a full week early. His plastic surgery is a tremendous success and the scar is now almost invisible. Dylan is surprised when Pinky and Stump walk into his room before he has a chance to call the ranch and ask them to send someone to pick him up.

  "Hey, Scoot, we decided you've lain around on your lazy ass long enough. It's time to get back to work," says Pinky with a smirk on his face.

  Grinning Stump says, "Grab your stuff and let's split this place."

  More than happy to be leaving, Dylan follows his buddies upstairs to the helipad and climbs inside the familiar space. Breathing a sigh of relief he asks, "How did you guys know to come get me today,"

  Pinky offers, "Jesse told Bear last night you were being released and just in time too. We have your next assignment."

  A wave of disappointment flows over Dylan, "Assignment?"

  "Yeah, sorry man but you're going to have to wait a little while longer before snuggling up with your woman. We're headed for LA."

  "LA? What's going on in LA?" asks Dylan.

  "Do you remember Jim Burleson?" asks Stump.

  "Sure, Jim's a great guy. Why?" asks Dylan.

  "He's been arrested for building the bombs that blew up the restaurant," responds Stump.

  "What? You're kidding aren't you?" asks Dylan.

  "No, we're not kidding. Detective Long sent us four sets of fingerprints. When we ran them through the military database and Jim's name popped up. The information the detective furnished about the makeup of the bombs is also a match for Jim." explains Stump.

  "What about the other three sets of prints?" asks Dylan.

  "Two of them matched people that died in the explosion. We haven't been able to match the fourth set." Pinky adds. "Since you and Barry were the closest friends Jim had in the Marines you need to talk to him and see if you can find out what's going on. Barry is still supposed to be dead."

  "All right, give me all the details you have about the explosion. I saw it on television but I haven't heard anything except the television reports since Jesse told me they survived," says Dylan.

  "Hey man, we're sorry we couldn't let you know sooner. I know it had to be hard watching that on TV and thinking Skye was in that restaurant," says Stump.

  Dylan nods and says, "Yeah, it nearly destroyed me."

  Stump continues, "The police think the bombs were hidden in potted plants and coordinated to explode with one cell phone call. One hundred three people died. The official list still hasn't been released but some of the families have identified their victims. The police don't have any possible motive yet other than the trial so Barry and Skye are still the likely targets. You need to thank Bear when you see him. He is the one that rushed them through to the back door and saved their lives. He knew immediately something was wrong."

  Thinking out loud Dylan says, "This whole thing really doesn't make sense to me. Who knew they were going to that particular restaurant for dinner far enough ahead of time to plant bombs in the potted plants? Are you absolutely certain the bombs were set off by a cell phone call and not a preset timer? Have you looked into the restaurant owners? Was there any financial difficulties or perhaps a competitor angry enough to blow up the place?"

  Pinky says, "Those are all good questions. We don't have the answers. The police aren't sharing a lot with us."

  ******

  As he walks into the jail where Jim Burleson is being held, chills run down Dylan's spine remembering when he was jailed not too long ago. After signing in and asking to see Jim, the three men move to the visitation room. When Jim walks in and sees them a semblance of a smile crosses his face.

  "Hey guys, thanks for coming. I was beginning to think I am the most hated man in the universe. Watching the TV coverage is pretty depressing," says Jim.

  Dylan asks, "What's going on Jim? Did you do blow up that restaurant?"

  Adamantly Jim says, "No! I wouldn't do something like that. I wouldn't deliberately take another human life." Tears in his eyes he adds, "They are saying I built the bombs but I didn't do it. I wouldn't do it."

  Dylan feels down in his gut that Jim is telling the truth. He asks, "Jim, can you think of any way someone could have gotten their hands on bombs you built and hidden them in those potted plants?"

  Jim says, "Dylan, I build bombs every day. It is my job, I blow up buildings. I try to be very careful not to leave anything lying around but ... wait, I have been working on preparing the building on Cross and Williams Streets for implosion for weeks. It's a thirty six story building and it takes a long time to set all of the charges. What if someone went behind me and took some of them? I wouldn't know until the final check the day before I set them off. The building is supposed to have security but I'm not sure how good it is."

  Dylan asks, "Do you know if they still have surveillance cameras?"

  Jim answers, "The cameras are still in the building but I don't know if they're working."

  "I'll look into it. Hang tight Jim, I'll see what I can do to help you," reassures Dylan.

  "Thanks man," says Jim Burleson as he is led back to his cell.

  ******

  As the guys are leaving the jail, Dylan dials his cell and speaks to the man on the other end, "Tom, this is Dylan Drake."

  "Hey Dylan, how are you? I've been wondering about you since the trial ended. What can I do for you?" asks Tom Christensen, Private Investigator.

  "I'm good. Listen, I know you have exceptional access to security video. A building at the corner of Cross and Williams in LA is scheduled for implosion. Jim Burleson has been placing explosive charges inside for weeks getting it ready. I need to know if the security cameras are still active. I believe someone may have stolen some of the explosive charges out of that building and used them to blow up the restaurant on Rodeo drive. Will you check it out for me? Check all of the surrounding area security cameras too."

  "Sure, I'll get back to you in a couple of days," says Tom.

  Dylan turns to the guys and asks, "What now?"

  Pinky smiles and says, "Well, I guess we can take you back to the ranch now. I believe there might be a couple of people that would like to see you."

  Smiling Stump says, "That surgeon did a really good job on your face. You can hardly see the scar anymore. How's the back?"

  Dylan says, "Thanks, I thought he did a good job too. My back is healed but the scars will always be with me I guess."

  ******

  When the helicopter lands Dylan can see Damian and Skye waiting for the blades to stop turning. As he steps to the ground Damian flies into his arms giving him a huge hug. Dylan's eyes are glued on Skye. Thank you God! She really is all right. He had been so afraid they were not telling him the wh
ole truth. As he walks toward her he can see the tears in her eyes and he opens his arms to her, pulling her close and kissing her warmly. "I've missed you Skye. Thank God you are all right. I felt like someone ripped my heart out of my chest when I saw that building explode on television."

  Smiling tearfully I say, "I must admit I saw my life flash before my eyes too. Thank God Bear was with us or none of us would have survived."

  Dylan turns to Bear with tears in his eyes, "Thank you Sir. I owe you big time."

  Blushing Bear says, "You're welcome. I'm glad I was with them and my instincts didn't let me down."

  Dylan says, "Jesse tells me you are considering moving here to the ranch. I want you to know that you will always be welcome as a valued member of the Drake Security team."

  Bear smiles, "Thank you that means a lot to me. Barry is letting us build a house here and we will be moving before summer's end. Jesse will be coming as soon as we solve the mystery about the explosion."

  Dylan says, "Sweetheart I need to update Barry on my side trip to LA. I'll catch up with you in a bit, all right?"

  I say, "Of course," and lean in for his kiss.

  ******

  After the men all gather in the study, Dylan says, "I spoke with Jim this morning and I've got to tell you, my gut instinct is that he didn't do it. I want to ask Jacob to represent him."

  Barry says, "What did he say?"

  Dylan continues, "Barry, you know Jim. He is a good guy. He assured me that he didn't do it, that he never could intentionally kill someone. He explained that he is readying a big building for implosion and he suggested someone could have taken some of the explosive devices he had already placed in the building and used them to bomb the restaurant. I have asked Tom Christensen to check any and all security video from the area to see if he can turn up any activity around the building."

  Barry says, "That sounds logical. We can only hope Tom turns up something. I'll foot Jacob's bill if he agrees to represent him. I have a hard time believing that Jim would do it too. In the meantime let's look into all former employees of the restaurant. Maybe somebody is carrying a grudge.

  "Dylan, I have those papers ready to sign to transfer the property. I also have the contractor ready to start whenever you give the go ahead."

  Dylan smiles, "Thanks Barry. We can start as soon as you are no longer thought to be dead." While Dylan had been at the hospital he had drawn the plans for his and Skye's home and sent them to Barry. He wants to surprise her. "Did you have the ring delivered?"

  "I have it right here and the preacher will be here for the wedding on Saturday. Have you asked her yet?" asks Barry.

  "I took care of that before I left but I promised Damian we would ask her together so I think I'll do that tonight after dinner. Are you guys going to be witnesses?"

  Grinning they all slap Dylan on the back and nod. "We'll be here, we wouldn't miss it."

  Barry has planned a big barbeque on the back patio for the group. He has invited the Murrays and Melanie's parents Patricia and Mark Brentwood so Dylan will have quite an audience.

  "I better go find Damian so we can practice." Dylan heads out the door in search of his son.

  ******

  The house and back patio are packed with people standing around talking. It is a warm July night and everyone is relaxed and happy. The kids are running around playing chase and generally just being kids.

  Barry grills the hamburgers with help from the other men and the women are busy preparing potato salad, baked beans, and cold slaw to round out the menu.

  After everyone has finished eating and the women have cleaned up the dishes and stored the leftovers in the house, the men and women are gathered in groups around the area chatting quietly. Everyone is keeping an eye on Damian to see when Dylan gives him the signal to begin.

  I am sitting in the middle of a group of women, and am surprised when Damian comes running up to me with a huge grin on his face. Everyone stops talking and turns to watch Damian. He grabs my hand and pulls me away from the group of women into the middle of the patio and looking up with hopeful eyes says very loudly, "Skye, will you please marry my Dad and be my new Mom?"

  Shocked I glance around for Dylan who steps from behind a group of men, bends to one knee and extends his hand holding out an exquisite solitaire diamond ring. "Skye would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

  Tears streaming down my face and all of their friends and neighbors looking on, I say, "Yes!" and I hug Damian close. Dylan slides the ring on my finger and kisses me warmly. Then pulling me tightly against his side with Damian standing in front of us, we are inundated with congratulatory wishes. It is the happiest day of Damian's young life.

  CHAPTER 13

  On Wednesday morning Dylan and the other Marines are going over the information they have been able to dig up on the internet concerning former employees of the restaurant when Dylan's cell phone rings, "Drake"

  "Hey Dylan, Tom Christensen"

  "Hey Tom, have you found something?" asks Dylan.

  "Well, maybe. The cameras in the building where Jim is working have been disconnected. However I did find video of what appears to be a catering van on the street outside. Two men appear to be coming out of Jim's building and loading boxes into the van. It doesn't show them actually exiting the building though. I've got some close-ups of their faces but they are not hitting any of my databases. I thought maybe you would have better luck."

  Dylan says, "Wow that sounds promising."

  Tom says, "That's not all. I also found video of what appears to be the same van outside the back door of the restaurant on Rodeo Drive. It was after business hours and they were unloading the boxes and appear to be carrying them inside although it doesn't show them actually going in the door. It's dated the night before the explosion. Of course the video from the restaurant was all destroyed in the explosion so I have nothing showing them inside. I'll send over the close-ups. See if you can identify them."

  When Dylan receives the close-ups the faces aren't familiar to any of the members of the Drake Security team and they didn't show up in any of the databases they have access to. Dylan says, "Barry has spent a lot more time in LA than the rest of us, maybe he will recognize them."

  Dylan finds Barry in the study. "Hey Farrie, do you have a minute?"

  "Sure, what's up?" asks Barry.

  "Tom sent over these close-ups of two guys loading boxes into a van outside the building where Jim Burleson is working. They aren't showing up in any of our databases. I thought you might recognize them since you spent more time in LA than we have."

  Barry looks at the pictures, "This guy looks familiar. I've seen him somewhere but I'm not sure where. I don't recognize the other one."

  Thinking Dylan says, "Well, we have the list of former employees of the restaurant. Maybe if we showed these pictures to them they can put a name on them."

  Barry says, "Great idea Dylan. Why don't the three of you head to LA and see what you can find out."

  Dylan says, "Did you forget I'm getting married on Saturday?"

  Barry says, "It's only Wednesday. You can be back in plenty of time. I'll handle all of the wedding preparations."

  He shakes his head as he walks out of the study. He dreads telling Skye he is leaving again before the wedding. He finds me in the kitchen and says, "Skye, can I talk to you for a minute?"

  I immediately know something is up. With a knot of apprehension in my stomach I join Dylan in the great room. I follow him to the sofa where we sit down and Dylan slides his arm across the back behind me.

  "Umm, Skye, I ... I have to go to LA for a couple of days," he says as quickly as he can.

  My heart drops into my stomach. I look at his beloved face and see the worry and trepidation in his eyes and ask, "Why Dylan?"

  "Tom Christensen turned up a couple of close-ups of guys bringing boxes out of the building that Jim Burleson was working on and loading them into a van. We are going to look up former employees of the restaur
ant and see if anyone recognizes the pictures. I promise I'll be back before Saturday."

  Nodding I say, "All right Dylan, I understand. Please be careful. I love you."

  He pulls me into his arms and tenderly kisses me, "I love you too."

  ******

  Dylan, Pinky, and Stump head for LA armed with the list of former employees and the latest address for each name available on the internet. After renting a car at the airport they head out. They have plotted the best route to take to hit as many as they can in their limited time.

  The first name on the list works at a restaurant near the airport so they head to that location first. They walk in the door between the lunch and dinner rush and approach the hostess. Dylan asks, "We're trying to locate Mary Franklin. Does she still work here?"

  The hostess says, "Yes, just a minute and I'll get her for you."

  Impatiently standing around the foyer, they see a pretty middle aged woman walking from the back of the restaurant. She looks nervous when she approaches Dylan and says, "I'm Mary Franklin, what can I help you with?"

  Dylan says, "Hi Mary, my name is Dylan Drake of Drake Security and I am trying to locate people that were once employees of the restaurant on Rodeo Drive that was destroyed in the explosion. Are you the same Mary Franklin that worked at that restaurant?"

  Suspiciously she says, "Yes I worked for them several years ago. I don't know what I could do to help you."

  He pulls out the pictures, "Do you by any chance recognize either of these men?"

  She looks at the pictures, "Yes, that's Pierre Bouchard. He was the chef when I worked there. The other one is his brother I think."

  "Thank you Mary. You've been a tremendous help."

  ******

  Stump, Pinky, and Dylan load back up in the rental car and Pinky fires up his laptop to research Pierre Bouchard. Sure enough a picture of him comes up along with an article about the opening of the restaurant naming him as chef. On another website they find a picture of Pierre and his brother Emile, matching the other man in the surveillance pictures.

  After further research, they see where the brother, Emile is a veteran of the French military and has extensive experience working with explosives.