Markus

“Yes, Thank you.” Mary nodded, writing a few things down. “Hold on..what?” She gasped. “You can’t! We have solid proof. So you’re allowing bail? Do you even know what this woman is capable of? She ..Fine. We will see him in two days to get her.” Mary hung the phone up with a hard ringing after effect. “Keith!” She looked ready to scream. “We got a problem!”

“Besides the air conditioning?” Keith said, loosening his tie and collar slightly. Even with it going at full capacity, it seemed to do little to refresh the hot, sticky summer air. He sat at his desk, tossing his notepad on top of it and swiveling in his chair, facing Mary. “Tell me it’s not worse than the air conditioning.”

“Way worse. The Judge just passed bail for the Janson woman.” Mary walked into his office, fuming. “We have to get the Andrews away and I mean now. We can send them to New York or something. But we have to do that without it being traced by anyone.”

“What? Nice to know our hard work goes unrewarded.” Keith shook his head. “Complain about crime rate being so high, yet turn around and set them free on the streets. Like we don’t have enough to do.” He sighed, shaking his head. “We have anyone up there that we know and can trust? And the same here. I don’t want anyone but our people working on this. Every detail, from contacting them to locking the door and turning of the lights. If they aren’t on our team, I don’t want them involved. We better warn the kid as well. Markus, was it? She’s likely to come after him, and with a vengeance.”

“From what I understand, she doesn’t know anything about him living in New York. We can leak false information about him living in Washington or something..and as for who we can trust? You’re looking at them. It’s me and you.” Mary sighed. “They know you’ve been talking to the Andrews family..so just pretend to go over on a follow up visit. Take a mini signal scrambler..just in case anything is bugged..I doubt anything is..yet..but best to be safe. I will work on getting the transport to..Chicago..then hire a private transport to take them the rest of the way to New York. While you file false paper work for the Witness protection program..that sends them to..Washington. That will make it more believable that the Andrews boy lives there.”

“Well, guess the saying about only trusting your partner is true, isn’t it?” Keith smiled at her, leaning back in his chair. “I’ll get started on the paperwork right away, and swing by there tonight. Give them a chance to eat and everything. Oh, and would that be DC or state?” Either could be likely. DC was more crowded, and would make it easier for them to blend in and be unnoticed. Though someplace in Washington state would be more secluded, easier to keep them out of sight.

“Washington DC as it has a major college, I believe.” Mary smiled. “I’m gonna get this rolling.” She blew a kiss and walked off. “And go see them! We only have Two days before she is out of county lock up!” she called back.

“I’m on it already,” Keith said, turning back to his desk and booting up the computer. He began filling out the forms, though in the back of his mind, he made a note to get in contact with someone that owed him a favor. It would take more than just police paperwork to make it believable. He would have to document events to make it more reliable. Anyone digging into it would see that it wasn’t true, though he would see to that. It was going to be a long afternoon.

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Keith knocked on the door. It was quiet inside, though he knew that there was someone at home. He knocked again.

“Hold on, I’m coming. Sheesh.” The sounds of the lock being unbolted was heard, and then the door opened. A youth of about sixteen stood in the doorway, looking out. “Oh, it’s you.”

“Nice to see you too, Chris.” Keith said. “I need a favor.”

“I don’t do that anymore, Officer. Condition of my probation.” Chris ran a hand through his curly blond hair.

“Right,” Keith said. “A hacker that doesn’t have access to a computer. I find that hard to believe.”

“Fine, come on it.” Chris opened the door completely, letting him in. “What is it you need?”

“I need to make it seem as if someone is where they aren’t,” Keith said. “A complete history, address, everything. Maybe even a history with certain delivery places, credit receipts, the works.”

Chris raised an eyebrow, opening the door to an inner room, several computers sitting on desks. “Don’t you have your own people that can do that?”

“I do, but let’s just say I don’t trust them.” Keith nodded, looking around the room.

“Crooked cops, imagine that.” Chris sat at a terminal, fingers tapping the keyboard rapidly. “What’s in it for me?”

“Let’s just say I won’t mention this to your probation officer.” Keith sat in a nearby chair. “This here alone is bound to get you twenty years federal, if I remember correctly.”

“That’s blackmail, you know.” Chris shook his head. “What’s the name?”

“Well, think of it as doing your good deed for the day,” Keith said. “Maybe I can see about getting your probation term lessened for helping. Though, this is completely off the record.” He glanced at Chris, smiling. Over the next hour, he gave him the information that he wanted set up. By the time they were through, it would be impossible for anyone to know that things weren’t as they seemed on paper. Address, utilities, even a library card.

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The sun was starting to set as Keith pulled up in front of the Andrew’s place. Even though it was getting dark, the heat hadn’t diminished any. He shut off the engine, looking around the neighborhood before getting out of the car and heading up the walk. Old habits die hard, it seemed. He stopped, knocking lightly on the door.

“Hold on.” He saw a window curtain raise. “Oh, hi.” Patty came to the door. “I didn’t expect you here. Guess you couldn’t stay away.” She chuckled doing a cute pose. “No seriously..come in.”

“Just doing routine follow up stuff,” Keith said, stepping inside. The way he glanced around the room as soon as the door was shut showed that it was anything but routine. “Your parents in?” He pulled the scrambler out of his pocket, turning it on and setting it on the table. It had two purposes, being a scrambler and white noise generator. The generator would cause just enough background noise to over-ride any sounds that might be picked up, and should anyone be listening and tried to boost the signal, they would more than likely get bleeding eardrums from the static generator. “We need to talk. Everyone, and pronto.”

“What?” Patty blinked. “Yeah..they are watching Television.” She pointed. “In there.”

“Honey?” Melissa peeked in. “Oh..hi. Jack, Detective Keith is here.” She grunted. “Pull your nose out of that western and come say hello right now, Jack Andrews.”

“Yeah, coming,” Jack answered. “Stupid signal is all screwy anyways. Stupid satellite reception. Something the matter, Detective? This doesn’t seem like a social call.”

“No, it isn’t. And afraid that the satellite reception is my fault.” Keith nodded to the small device on the table. “I hate to be the one always delivering bad news, but we have to get you packed up and out of here, as soon as possible.”

“Why?” Patty looked around. “What’s wrong?”

“When? Why?” Do we have time to call Markus and tell him?” Melissa looked a little worried.

“There will be time to call Markus later. There isn’t time now. We have to get you out of here now. Vicky Janson is getting released on bond. You’ll be joining Markus in New York, under protection. And I’ve called in a few favors and made it seem as though you are all in Washington.” Keith sighed softly. “Given the facts, there has to be someone on the inside working on this. I don’t know who or how, but I wouldn’t trust anyone. I just don’t feel it’s safe for you to remain here.”

“When do we leave?” Patty frowned. “And..do you really think she would try something?”

“That woman would.” Melissa walked off. “I’ve got some vacation bags packed. I’ll just grab those. I was going to make Mr. Andrews take us to the Caribbean anyways..so I did a little packing.”

“Oh yeah.” Patty smiled. “I’ll go grab my stuff then. As I assume..you want us to go right now.”

Keith held out the envelope with the plane tickets. “Your flight to Chicago leaves in four hours. There, after some re-routing and a bit sleight of hand, you board a plane for New York, though it will seem as if you are headed to DC.”

“The Caribbean? And when exactly were you going to tell me this?” Jack asked. He turned to Patty. “And I suppose you knew about this, didn’t you?”

“No.” She pulled out two rolling suitcases. “Packed.” Patty grinned. “Oh..wait..” She ran back to her room. “Need my carry on!”

“We have five..come help me Jack.” Melissa pulled two of the rolling cases out. “Three more..and two carry ons.”

Jack shook his head, heading to help with the bags. “Yeah, didn’t know, but was already packed.” He started pulling the bags out. “Man, this is heavy. Have the sink in here or something?” He glanced at Keith. “What is it with women packing everything?”

Keith shook his head. “Hey, I’m single and on a cop’s salary. I have trouble getting out of town, much less any place else.” He grabbed a couple of the bags. “Here, let me help with those.”

“Why thank you.” Patty winked at him. “You know..I’m single too.”

“Patty!” Melissa chuckled. “He is older than you..”

“So? Older is more experienced and much more gentlemanly.” Patty came out with her carry on. “And I knew nothing father. I was packed to go up and see my brother and cute nephew.”

Keith chuckled, smiling at Melissa. “It’s alright, Mrs. Andrews. No one marries a police officer, they marry the job.” He helped load the bags in the car. He wasn’t sure about the more experienced part, and with some of the things he’d seen and done in the line of duty, he wasn’t certain about the gentlemanly part either. But that was something else altogether. “Anything else?”

“What about the bills?” Jack asked. “And I need to call work and let them know I won’t be coming in and the hundreds of other little details that need to be taken care of.”

“Not to worry, that’s all being handled.” Keith looked around. “You just worry about getting to the airport in time.”

“I would marry a policeman.” Patty shrugged. “You locking up, mom?”

“Yeah.” She closed the door. “All the lights are off..I checked everything.” Melissa turned. “Hi Mrs. Wilkenson.” She waved to the woman. “Meet my great nephew, detective Keith. We are going to Caribbean. Isn’t that great?”

“Mom..come on.” Patty sighed. “Can we go? I have serious tanning to do.”

Keith chuckled lightly to himself. Seemed like someone had a habit of watching police dramas and spy movies. Though, it would help to further throw off the scent of where they really were going. He waived to Mrs. Wilkenson. “I’ll be right behind you. Mary should be at the airport already. Don’t worry, we’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“You know, I’d much rather be going to the Caribbean now,” Jack said. “Wide open ocean, complementary drinks…” He paused, not mentioning the scantily clad bikini wearing beach bunnies. That wouldn’t be wise to do.

Keith shook his head, smiling at Patty. “Let’s get this show on the road.” He stepped back, heading to his car, dialing Mary’s cell phone. “They’re on their way, I’m right behind them.”

“I’ll ride with you..our car is full.” Patty slipped into the car. “Mother over packed.”

“That girl.” Melissa chuckled. “Bye. Check our mail for us!”

Mrs. Wilkenson grumbled, walking back into her house. Melissa shook her head and buckled up.

“That woman is so nosey.” Melissa stated.

“Hello?” Mary answered. “Hey..so how goes it?”

“You forgot this.” Patty pulled the signal thing out. She had turned to off. “Looked expensive.”

“Yeah, that… well, let’s just say I shouldn’t have that,” Keith said. He was glad that he kept his car clean, though there was no masking the stale scent of coffee from those long nights on stake outs. He turned his attention back to the phone, buckling his seat belt. “Everything is a go on this end. ETA about thirty minutes or so, depending on traffic. How’s it look on your end?” He watched as Melissa and Jack pulled out, pulling behind them. “Buckle your seat belt.”

“Buckling.” Patty shifted.

“Everything is set..I have an earlier flight too..got the tickets on stand by. It leaves in an hour instead of four.” Mary responded.

“Alright see you when we get there.” He ended the call, checking the rear view mirror as they drove. He glanced at Patty, wondering how old she was again. He remembered she was young, though he couldn’t recall right off how old she was. He though she was older than Markus, though. “Sorry to interrupt the Caribbean vacation,” he said.

“It’s okay. I was going to fly in to New York anyways. I miss my little nephew. I figured I’m old enough to go on a separate vacation. I am Twenty-two.” Patty glanced out the window. “I’ve always wanted to see it.”

“I hear it is quite nice there. Little crowded, but nice none the less. I’m sure your brother can show you everything when you get there.” Keith chuckled lightly. He didn’t see how going to a place like that could be considered much of a vacation, being as busy as it was. The city that never sleeps. Didn’t sound like much of a vacation to him.

“So why are you ignoring me?” Patty was blunt about everything, pretty much.”I mean..what? Am I ugly?”

“Far from it,” Keith said, turning briefly to glance at her. “It’s just… you’re young and have your whole life ahead of you. Me, if I’m lucky, I’ll make it to retirement and get a small pension and a cheap gold watch. No the most glamorous things to look forward to. And it’s not a good idea to get too involved with a case, as it can cause questionable judgment. Though, if after this is all done, that still hasn’t scared you off, well, I won’t discourage you.” He could tell by the look in her eye that she had already made up her mind, though. If he didn’t push her away by being honest with her. It wasn’t easy being married to an officer, though he had to admit, the prospect of something resembling a normal life did appeal to him.

“Let me show you how scared I am.” She leaned over, adjusting her seat belt so she could. “Lets get this one thing straight between you and I. I am a legal adult. I am over twenty-one and you know what? If Psycho lady wants to try and attack me..she can but I promise she won’t live when I am done with her.” He felt her hand slide along his thigh. And the smile on her lips made it clear that she was being devious. “Discourage this.”

And she went down with her head in his lap. No, she wasn’t a whore but she wasn’t innocent either. Either way, he wasn’t forgetting this ride in the police car.
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Keith parked the car, waving to Mary, who was talking with Jack and Melissa at the moment. He glanced at Patty. He could tell by that glint in her eyes that she wasn’t finished, not by a long shot. He had tried to warn her, but she wasn’t bothered by it. Oh well, if she wasn’t going to be scared, he shouldn’t either. And she was right, they were both consenting adults. What happened between them really only concerned them. “Ready?” he asked her, shutting off the engine and unbuckling his seat belt.

“Yep. Hey..You know.” She wiped the corner of her lips. “I feel like meeting with the mile High club.” She smirked and slipped out of the car. “Two members..me and you.” Patty stood. “Don’t be late.” She flirtatiously walked off towards her parents.

“This definitely wasn’t on the job description,” Keith said, making sure he was zipped back up before getting out and removing his gun and badge, sticking them inside the special luggage container for them. Even though their flight was a private charter, he still wasn’t allowed to carry them on board. He locked the car, and walked over to the others as well.

“What took you so long?” Jack asked, pulling the luggage from the car. “We were starting to worry.”

“Just… getting some things straightened out,” Keith replied. “Something that came up at the last minute.”

“Oh really?” Mary gave a ‘mmhmm’ look. But her wink told him it was all good. “We have to get things going, right now.”

“Lets see.” Patty grabbed her bags. “We need one of those cart things.”

“Got one.” Melissa came out. “I got one while waiting for you two.”

“My mom..such a smart woman.” Patty laughed. “So lets get loaded so we can go.” She gave a flirty grin towards Keith. “You’re going all the way there with us? Right?”

“My daughter, the flirt.” Melissa sighed. “Come on Jack. Pick up the pace, love.”

“Right with you every step of the way like I said,” Keith replied. He shrugged slightly at Mary. She was like him in a way, he knew she understood. Though, he wasn’t sure if Patty meant that literally, especially given their conversation right before she got out of the car. When he had said all the way, he hadn’t meant ‘all the way,’ though now, yeah, he definitely was.

“I’m coming,” Jack said. He glanced at Patty and Keith. He knew something was going on between them, he wasn’t blind. But, he knew his daughter to be capable of taking care of herself, and while Keith wasn’t exactly a doctor or anything like that, there was nothing wrong with her dating an officer. At least he was honest and worked for a living.