Jungle Warriors, Crime Fighters

by Doug Houser

  “I think you may want to arrange for this goddamn son of a bitch to get a visit from Popper. And if this bastard is such a proper church-going fella, he’ll have no problem understanding the concept of an eye for an eye.”

  Chapter 26

  Having received her new driver’s license and credit card earlier in the day, Brit was flying south to test her acting skills. Brittany Morrison had been what many of her friends in high school had thought of as unpredictable insofar as she had disparate interests and pursuits. She was a very attractive blond who was the head song leader and because of her popularity was voted Homecoming Queen. But at the same time, she seemed to enjoy hanging out with the nerds in the chess club. After games, she was more inclined to go to parties with members of the band than with athletes. She did well in school but had no interest in going to college.

  After graduation, Brit’s best friend decided to enlist in the Marine Corps and rather than part ways, Brit decided to join her. During boot camp, she became determined that she wanted to be in the infantry, but that avenue was not open to Women Marines at that time. Brit applied for tanks, artillery, motor transport and supply but was eventually sent to intelligence as a clerk where she served out her enlistment.

  At the discharge center, she too was given Top’s number and she had called him. Brit was hoping that even though the Marine Corps wouldn’t let her get near the action, maybe KC’s company would. And now she was on a plane ready to do just that.

  Brit had gone over the prospective scene at the church, seemingly a hundred times by now. She knew that it wasn’t likely to be too difficult to obtain a copy of the membership picture booklet, but Brit also knew that the rest of the operation’s team was depending on her quick success so that they could get started.

  The diamond ring Peeps had gotten for her was absolutely gorgeous. She couldn’t help but wonder if anyone would ever buy her a ring like that. In fact, Brit mused, one only half as good would be great. She had thought that the short skirt and off the shoulder top they had bought her was a bit cocktail-party-like for daytime attire, but Peeps assured her that it was an entirely proper ensemble for a well-off Southern lady (or a well-off lady that was planning a move to the South) to be wearing in the afternoon while looking for a new church.

  In addition to the nice clothes and ring, Brit was flying first class for the first time in her life. KC had insisted that it was part of the persona she needed to project and that it was a necessary part of her becoming acclimatized to that sort of life style. At first, Brit had thought that KC was merely being nice, but she couldn’t help but notice the deferential treatment she was receiving from the flight attendants. She thought maybe the others in the company were correct in their advice to her regarding KC. They had told her that if KC wants something done a certain way, then do it that way because he has already thought it through and knows it’s for the best. So far, so good.

  She surmised that when the rental car agent had tried to get her to take a Cadillac instead of what she had requested, she was correct in insisting on a Lexus, BMW or Mercedes, because that’s what KC had instructed her to do. Brit smiled to herself, thinking that working for KC is a pretty good gig. She then recalled that KC, Peeps nor Top had asked her if she wanted to accept this assignment. She wondered if it was standard procedure in the company that projects were assigned and carried out, no questions asked, like in the Corps. Not that it mattered, especially after she had heard the story about Keisha and Marcus. Hell, she would have gladly flown in the back row, middle seat, wearing rags and rented a Yugo if it would help those kids. The fasten seat belts announcement interrupted her reverie as the plane began its descent.

  After renting a shiny, new, metallic silver Mercedes, Brit headed for the church at the edge of the country club grounds. When she pulled into the parking lot, there were only five or six cars parked there. She located an empty space near the front entrance and went in to look for the church office. The office was easy to find, just to the left, off of the narthex. Brit went into the office through a highly polished mahogany door that had pristine, freshly polished brass hardware. A pleasant looking, middle-aged lady with graying hair was sitting behind an expensive looking, dark wood desk. She smiled broadly when Brit entered and asked, “May I help you?”

  “Why, I hope so. I’m Marissa Cousins. My husband is looking for a place to relocate his company headquarters, hopefully near the university campus. I’ve been looking at houses in this area and I think the prospects for finding one we’d like near here are pretty good. Of course, it would be a nice extra if we could find a church in the same neighborhood that we like. One thing we are looking for is a church that has a sizable young and vibrant constituency among the congregation. We’re not really interested in a place where only older people attend.”

  “I think you’ve come to the right place. My name is Joyce. I’m Pastor Frankfort’s administrative assistant. Our congregation is very well balanced, age wise. We have a large group of young professional couples like you and your husband.”

  “Oh, that sounds great. One thing my husband asked me to do when I visit churches is to see if there’s a pictorial directory available. He says it helps him get an idea of what the makeup of the congregation is, if you know what I mean. Since we live out of town, attending a Sunday service probably won’t be an option for us before we actually move here. Do you have something like that that I could take to show him?”

  “Oh, absolutely. The newest edition is only two months old, so it’s quite up to date.” Joyce got up from her desk, walked over to an upright wooden file cabinet and pulled out a soft covered booklet. She handed it to Brit.

  Brit opened it to a middle page and saw a grouping of nicely sized pictures with the names alongside them. This appeared to be exactly what Cheryl would need. She said to Joyce, “This is just what he asked me to get. Thank you. May I see the sanctuary?”

  “Oh, of course. I’ll show you.”

  The two women went out and down the short hall into the narthex and then through the wide doors into the sanctuary. Brit looked around at the crystal chandeliers, the stained glass windows and the finely carved wood altar, trying to appear interested. After what she thought to be an appropriate amount of time she said, “Why, this is magnificent.”

  “Yes, we feel it’s a privilege being able to worship here.”

  “I really appreciate your hospitality. Thank you. Now, I’d better be going. I have a few more appointments before my departure time. Thank you, again.”

  “You’re really most welcome. I hope we see you and your husband real soon.”

  “Me, too. Goodbye.”

  As soon as Brit got to the rental car, she called Peeps. “I’ve got it. You can send Cheryl and the guys.”

  “Good job. Go find a nice hotel and wait for Cheryl. I’ll have her call you for directions to whatever hotel you find. Get a room for Cheryl, too. She can transfer the charges to her card later. After you check in, go have dinner in an expensive restaurant. Don’t worry about how much it costs. Some guy in your picture book is buying.”

  “Are you sure? There’s still a lot to do before we get to that point.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure. We’ve got three mighty fine people heading your way. They’ll be able to get this done. Off you go, now. Nice hotel and great meal.”

  “Ok. Thanks, Peeps.”

  Peeps contacted the other three members of the team and told them that Brit had the pictures and for them to move out. He told Cheryl to call Brit to get the location of their hotel. He covered a few details over again with Davis and Hopkins and wished them well. He then went to see KC. “Brit got what we wanted from the church and the other three are on their way. Cheryl is up next.”

  “Off to a good start then.”

  “Yeah, I sure hope our guy’s picture is in the church membership book.”

  “It will be.”

  �
�What if it isn’t? You have any ideas?”

  “Yep.”

  “Well?”

  “One possibility is to park in the corner of the church parking lot on Sunday morning and set Marcus up with a pair of powerful binoculars. If the rear windows on the guy’s rental vehicle aren’t dark enough, we’ll have them tinted darker. We won’t let anyone see Marcus. When Marcus spots the guy, Davis and Hopkins will follow him home and then after they’ve taken Marcus home, the guys can pick up our Bad Guy when it’s a good time. If Marcus doesn’t spot him Sunday morning, we’ll try Sunday night with night vision binoculars. If that doesn’t work, then I’ll think of something else. But, none of this stuff matters. His picture is in that book. I can feel it.”

  “Then Marcus is our only hope for finding this guy.”

  “In the short run, yes. But longer term, I just got some really good news. Keisha’s left eye is going to be ok. She might be able to identify her attacker, if it comes to that. I really hope it doesn’t though. We don’t know how long Keisha will be in the hospital or if she got a good enough look at the guy to positively identify him. Plus, I’d really like to have this wrapped up by the time she’s released. So I think it’s best to go full speed ahead with our Marcus option and make certain that it works. When you talk with any of the three in the field, don’t let on that there could be alternatives to achieving success with plan A. I want them to stay focused on that and only that.”

  “Absolutely. You’re definitely right about that.”

  “It reminds me of when we were studying amphibious assault methodology in basic school. A bunch of admirals and generals from the Pentagon came down to Quantico and gave us a really sophisticated video, pictorial and graphic simulation of how an amphibious assault is planned and carried out. It’s complicated as hell. After their two-hour long presentation was done, someone asked what the contingency plan was if the assault stalled or no one could get inland off the beach. The admiral in charge replied very simply, “There is none.’”

  Peeps eyebrows went up.

  KC continued, “There were five hundred 2nd Lieutenants in our basic class and all of us were in the auditorium for that presentation. If the act of assholes puckering made a sound, you’d have heard five hundred of them doing so at that moment. The imagery of an amphibious assault was fresh in our minds and the thought of getting stuck, with everyone around you getting killed and you can’t go forward and there’s no contingency for calling the whole thing off was vivid, indeed. It was really a sickening thought. Then a general went to the microphone and said, “Look, gentlemen. The United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps have never been involved in a failed amphibious assault and we never will be. The sailors and Marines involved know what it takes to conduct a successful landing and we will do whatever it takes to make it so. Gentlemen, that’s what you tell your men. Once we start it, we finish it, successfully. There is no other option.”

  Peeps replied, smiling, “Ah, one more piece for the puzzle.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “For a long time, I’ve been trying to figure out if officers are born crazy or become crazy after they’re commissioned. This story supplies one more hint, that’s all.”

  KC laughed and said, “Well, you can rest assured that whenever it happens, the condition becomes permanent.”

  “Aye, aye, Sir!”

  Chapter 27

  Cheryl met Brit in the hotel bar. It was late, but Cheryl was hungry as she had driven straight through and not stopped to eat. “Brit, I suppose you’ve already eaten.”

  “Yes, I had filet mignon and lobster at a restaurant just down the block. But the waiter here told me they have good food. Why don’t you order something from their dining room menu and eat here in the bar?”

  “Great idea. Where’s that waiter?”

  “I just signaled the bartender. He’ll send him over.” Pointing to her glass, Brit said, “The house Chardonnay is really good. That is, if you’re going to order something that goes with white.”

  “I think I’ll take a look at the menu before I decide.”

  “Ok. Just don’t scrimp. Peep’s orders.”

  “Really? What did he say?” Cheryl raised her eyebrows with a smile.

  “He ordered me to get us rooms in a nice hotel and to have dinner in an expensive restaurant. He said someone whose picture is in the book I have for you is buying.”

  “Wow, he sounds pretty confident.”

  “He said three mighty fine people were headed here to get this done.”

  “That’s what he said?”

  “Yep.”

  “Well, all right then. I guess we’re going to get this done. I wonder what kind of champagne they have.”

  The next morning Cheryl and Brit met in the hotel restaurant for breakfast. After eating, they went to the front desk where Brit checked out and Cheryl transferred the room she was staying in to her false ID credit card. They said their goodbyes and Brit headed for the airport. Cheryl went back upstairs, sat down at the phone and dialed. After three rings a pleasant, female voice answered, “Beresford residence, Mrs. Williams speaking, may I help you?”

  “Yes, ma’am, my name is Cheryl McAdams. I assure you I’m not a phone solicitor. In fact, I’m not trying to sell you anything. I’m hoping that my friends and I can help you. Ma’am, I’m calling about the attack on your daughter.”

  “Are you with the police?”

  “No, ma’am. I work for a private security firm. Among other things, we provide security for American executives who are traveling overseas. We heard that the police have been unable to apprehend the individual who threw acid in Keisha’s eyes. Our intent is to do what the local police haven’t been able to do. But, we’ll need your help and the help of your son in order to identify this cowardly person.”

  “Marcus won’t talk and I can’t blame him. The police have tried everything but he’s really afraid. Besides, I don’t have any money to hire a private security firm.”

  “Ma’am, there won’t be any cost to you for our services. I can assure you of that. What we want is for this criminal to pay for his crime. May I come over to see you after you get off work and Marcus is home from school?”

  “Even if Marcus would identify this man, I would never let him testify. It’s just too dangerous. I’m afraid I can’t help you.”

  “I’ll make you a promise. Neither you nor Marcus will have to do anything that you don’t feel safe doing. That includes dealing with the police, the district attorney, the court system or anyone else. I really want to help. Just let me come see you and then you make up your mind. No obligation, whatsoever. No one, other than you, even knows I’m here. Meeting me won’t put you or your family at risk. I know you have work to do now. Let’s talk later. How about early evening, after dinner?”

  “I don’t see what good you can do, but come on ahead. Do you know where we live?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Where should I park?”

  “You can come on around back by my garage.”

  “Good. Will seven be a good time?”

  “Yes, that will be fine.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Williams. I’ll see you then.”

  Cheryl then called Peeps. “I’ve got an appointment with Mrs. Williams and Marcus this evening at seven. Will Hopkins and Davis be here by then?”

  “As a matter of fact, their flight should be arriving at any minute. How did your conversation with Jasmine Williams go?”

  “Not really great. I think she’s as afraid as Marcus is. Maybe not for herself, but definitely for the kids.”

  “Well, don’t let that bother you. We anticipated that. That’s why we picked Davis and Hopkins. How much did you tell her about us?”

  “Only that we’re a security firm.”

  “Well then, don’t worry. When she hears the rest, she’ll be fine.”

/>   “Brit said you were real confident about this.”

  “I am. This is a good cause and we’ve got good people working on it. This will get done. Hell, Cheryl, you know it’s gonna get done.”

  “I guess so.”

  “No guessing about it. If you feel things slowing down, just think about Keisha’s eyes.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. We’ll get this done. I’ll call the guys sometime after seven and ask them to come in and meet Jasmine and Marcus. Thanks, Peeps.”

  Cheryl rang the doorbell of the guesthouse behind the Beresford mansion at precisely seven PM. When Jasmine Williams opened the door, Cheryl was caught totally off guard. She had expected that a Southern housekeeper would be short and plump. Jasmine Williams looked like the black version of Sarge. Not only was she tall, with sinewy looking musculature, she was also a really beautiful woman. Cheryl recovered quickly and said, “Hi, I’m Cheryl McAdams. You must be Mrs. Williams.”

  “Yes, but please, call me Jasmine. Come right on in. Did you have any trouble finding this place?”

  “No, ma’am, it’s right where I thought it would be.”

  Actually, Cheryl had driven by earlier in the day just to make sure she could find the house in the dark and gauge the driving time from the hotel. She didn’t want to be late and she didn’t want to arrive early and have to sit around waiting and possibly draw attention. Looking around the nicely decorated guesthouse, Cheryl said, “It looks like you’ve made quite a comfortable home here.”

  Frowning slightly, Jasmine said, “Yes, it’s really been pretty nice here, right up until the incident with Keisha. Now I don’t like being here so much.”

  “How is Keisha doing?”

  “Her doctor has confirmed that she will have full sight in her left eye. He says it’s still too early to know about the right eye. She’s been able to begin doing homework that the school sends to the hospital. Her classmates have been great. Someone goes to the hospital each day with new assignments and takes what she’s completed back to school. Mrs. Beresford has also been great. She makes time to take me over to the hospital each day. It’s too bad that everyone isn’t as open minded as she is. Some people give her strange looks when we walk down the hospital halls together, but she shrugs it off. One time she said to me, “You know, there are some really important things to be concerned about in this world. What concerns that lady we just passed isn’t one of them. I really feel sorry for her. She must be very insecure.” I didn’t respond because all I could think about was the people who use their prejudices to justify harmful acts. Anyway, Keisha is keeping up with her schoolwork. She’s a freshman this year and so far in her high school and middle school classes she’s never received a grade below an A. I guess the only good thing about this whole mess was the timing.”