A New Life for Dr. Mitchel Ch. 05

Uncle Tony came over to Marsh and wrapped him in a bear hug. It felt like a ton of weight lifted from Marsh's shoulders.

Suddenly everyone got up and gathered around Marsh, slapping him on the back and giving him hugs.

Papa Victor had been quiet all this time. Finally he put his hands on Marsh's shoulders and looked Marsh straight in the eyes.

"Marshall, you are every bit the man Mama Vicky and I want our son to be. I would like to believe that if Mario was in your shoes he would do the same. You have honored our family with the courage to face your family and your fear. I've watched you since I got here today Marshall. You controlled it, but there was fear along with the love I saw. You thought your family would forgive you but you weren't sure it would be enough. That took courage, and I will always be grateful for the way you came here today and put your honor first. Thank you Marshall! You have truly honored Mama and me. You are a Martinelli no matter what your sir name is."

Papa Victor pulled Marsh's face to his and kissed Marsh on each cheek. This was nothing sexual; this was an Italian father expressing love and acceptance of his son.

Uncle Joey came and did the same thing, then Uncle Antonio, then Mario. When the men were finished Mama Vicky wrapped herself around Marsh and enveloped him in her love.

"Marshall," Uncle Joey said. "You are truly a member of the Martinelli family, and the only one with a clean record." He laughed. "Think about this, a mob boy with a badge. You better go over there to your mama's chair and pick up your Sig and put it away before mama sits on it and shoots herself in the ass. If you ever need anything Marsh, you be sure to call one of us."

Marsh laughed. "Uncle Joey, yesterday I told my fiancé that she was on a salary and got paid anyway, if she was at work in her office or not. She told me I wasn't on the payroll and wouldn't get paid whether or not I worked. When I told her I was going to be her kept man, she got mad at me. She said I owned the company and had almost as much money as God, and she didn't think it was fair for me to live off of her... What I'm trying to say Uncle Joey is that if you need anything you give me a call."

Papa Victor's face showed a little confusion. "What company do you own, Marshall? I thought you were a doctor, and worked in an emergency room in the Inland Empire."

Marsh went over to mama's chair and returned the Sig to its holster. "It's a long story Papa."

"Four years ago my wife was killed by a drunk driver. I left emergency rooms behind and hooked myself up with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. I'm a tactical medicine specialist, and a sworn member of the SWAT team."

"I was recently recruited to go to work for and take over the Turner Security Companies. I..."

Papa Victor interrupted him. "Are you talking about Jimmy? Dr. James Turner?"

"I am Papa. Do you know Jimmy Turner?"

"Jimmy saved my life in Viet Nam, Marsh. I think he sewed up all three of us at one time or another. I don't think Giuseppe or Antonio was ever mortally wounded, but they had their share of cuts and shrapnel that needed his attention. We were all there at the same time, Marsh. I've only heard bits and pieces about Jimmy since we all came back, but I heard he's done well, and he's not somebody to mess with."

Marsh nodded his head. "That's the one Papa Victor. He's getting old enough that he wants to train someone to take over for him. He's a really good man Papa. He sewed me up after Tony's friend Max cut me open yesterday." Marsh turned and lifted his shirt for Papa Victor to see the laceration.

Now Mama Vicky had something to say. "You mean one of Tony's friends did that to you Marshall?"

"Yes mama. One of Tony's friends did this. He was actually trying to kill my fiancé mama. She threw him over her shoulder and he got me instead. You might notice he didn't kill me though. So it's all good."

Antonio cocked his head and squinted at Marsh. "You've mentioned your fiancé several times Marshall. Do we know her Marshall? Is she someone we have met?"

"Do you remember my Becky, Uncle Tony? She was my first and only wife, so far."

"The beautiful red haired girl, Marsh? I remember a beautiful red haired girl."

"That's the one, Uncle Tony. Her mother was the lady in the DVD, that Trevor and Tommy attacked. Trish had identical twins and now I'm engaged to the other one."

Mama Vicky looked at Marsh with a stern look on her face. "Marshall Edgar. You might not think Mama Vicky knows about things, but mama keeps her ears open. Marshall, are you going to marry the Flaming Red Widow Maker?"

"Mama!" Marsh almost yelled.

"Well, Killer Doc?" Mario questioned. "I didn't know who the Killer Doc was till today, bro. With all the things you've confessed to, it's pretty easy to add two and two. The Killer Doc takes over the biggest baddest mercenary company in the world, and marries the baddest fucking mother in the world. Give mama a little credit brother. We all love you, anyway. It's just nice to know that at least one member of the family has turned out to be a good guy. Everyone in the world, well the underworld, knows that if the Killer Doc or the Flaming Red Widow Maker is either after you or killed you, you deserved killin."

"Mama?" Marsh started. "Do you remember when we were teenagers? Don Paulie's daughter married Lt. Paddy O'Brian's son. Talk about a crazy wedding. Family guys and cops on opposite sides of the isle.

Mario started to laugh. "And at the reception the little kids were playing "cops and robbers". That was funny!"

Everyone laughed at the memories of that day. Dozens of Italian mob families on one side, and dozens of Irish police families on the other. And nobody died or went to jail all day long. It had been a celebration of love uniting two people, and two families.

"The answer to your question Mama, is yes. Her name is Rebecca Andrews, and I love her, A LOT, mama. She's drop dead gorgeous. She's smart, way smarter than your typical beautiful blond... A lot like you, Mama Vicky. We're good together like you and Papa Victor. You'll get an invitation, when we figure out when and where we're gonna do it."

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Dale stopped the Excursion on the street a little way down the street from the parking lot that Joanna turned into. He and Becca watched as Tina Simpson and Joanna got out of the car and rounded up the boisterous children. You could tell they were well behaved kids, but they were sure glad to be outside.

Children such as these shouldn't have to stay inside a house to avoid hidden dangers that they haven't caused and didn't deserve. Becca boiled inside thinking about the scum-bag that was responsible for the children's restrictions. Too bad she (Becca) had let him live, instead of either killing him outright or letting Doug send him to the Amazon Tribal Chief that he knew would make Harold's last hours of life miserable. Too late for regrets now, things will work out somehow.

Becca could see the careful way Joanna carried her bag. She was dressed in such a way that she couldn't carry a concealed piece, but the way her hand was resting in the bag, indicated that it was right there, and she could put it into play if she needed to. To the untrained onlooker there was nothing showing, but Becca and Dale knew Joanna was not some pretty faced, innocent soccer mom. She had the pretty face, but the innocent soccer mom title just wouldn't work for Joanna.

Dale commented; "She's careful, Becca. If the shit hits the fan she'll be a good ally. Our job will certainly be easier than some times."

"She's not retired military, Dale. But she's a talented little girl. Marsh and I are going to try to recruit her. She has way more talent than that crooked police department deserves. We can afford to pay her commensurately, too."

"Considering what I heard about her and the butcher, now what I'm seeing her do, I'd say that she would be an asset." Dale responded. Think we oughta go park this beast and get out, in case there's any action needed?"

"I 'spect we should at that." Becca said. "It looks pretty quiet here, but there's no reason for us to let our guard down."

Dale drove the big SUV into the parking lot and located a parking space where he and Becca could see where Joanna, Tina, and her children went. Dale sat in the truck and Becca made a trip around the carrousel building. Things looked quite safe from all the angles Becca could observe. Becca returned to the front passenger seat, leaving the window open so she could hear the sounds of the park.

The Simpson children seemed to be having a lot of fun taking rides around in circles, and changing from one animal figure to another between rides. They stumbled out of the ride after about an hour of riding, and Becca and Dale watched them make their way to a picnic area.

Joanna chose her table carefully, looking at where she could see from where they were sitting, and who might be likely to cause any trouble. This gal was alert and careful always. She stayed standing at the end of her choice of the tables, and sent Tina Simpson and her son to the snack bar for something to eat.

Dale suggested that it would be a good idea to get out of the truck, and get a bite to eat themselves. They could hang out near the subjects, and still not look conspicuous. They locked their SUV, and walked across the lawn to the snack bar. Tina Simpson and her son were ahead of them in line. Tina was a cute little gal, and her son was very polite, and obedient. He was evidence of some pretty good parenting skills on behalf of his parents.

The Simpsons bought hot dogs, chips, and bottles of water. The boy carried his share of the load, and mom carried the rest. Joanna stood watch at the end of their table throughout their lunch, and looked a little uncomfortable when Becca and Dale walked over to a table near the family to eat their own lunch.

When they were out at the pond yesterday Becca had put her hands under the wig, and tossed her hair back a couple of times. Now she did the same movement with the blond wig she wore with the disguise she was wearing. It was an innocent enough move; lots of women tossed their hair back. Becca seemed to remember that Kelly Rippa made a habit of it on her syndicated morning show, every day.

Joanna may have noticed it yesterday, and might recognize the move here at the park. At the moment going up to the family and using the catch phrase would be a little awkward.

Sitting here at this table, Becca and Dale could hear the instructions that both Tina Simpson and Joanna Doyle gave to the Simpson children. The kids followed the directions without complaint and agreed to drop everything and run to Joanna if she wanted them to.

Becca thought back to growing up on the farm in Vermont. She couldn't imagine what it must be like for these children to be cooped up inside a small house in the city. She had been able to roam acres and acres of farm land and woods, without restriction as a child. Life like these kids knew at this time would be unbearable. Becca thanked God for her parents, and the freedom they had afforded her.

Becca's mind thought of the Maple syrup her father had harvested on that farm. That was some good stuff. She wondered if her cousin still harvested it. Maybe Marsh would take her up there to get some one day.

Oops. One of the Simpson children brought Becca's attention back to the present. She had gone down the large slide, and collided with her mother, who subsequently fell backasswards in the sand. She was wearing a skirt, and it was quickly up around her waist. Tina had nice legs, all the way up to her suddenly visible private parts, exposed momentarily by the skirt revealing her skimpy string bikini panties.

"Hmmm," Dale admired.

Tina jumped up, smoothed down her skirt, and looked back to Joanna. Joanna was laughing and Tina turned very red, instantly. The whole show lasted about ten seconds, but the image of Tina Simpson splayed out in the sand with her pussy on display for everyone to see, was one that would last for a while.

Becca decided she wanted to get a little closer to Joanna and the Simpsons, so she asked Dale to come over to the swings and push her. They would look like a father and daughter or a dirty old man and his trophy wife/girlfriend. Either way wouldn't make a lot of difference. Becca knew she could/would be someone different at any time. With Jesse in the disguise "shop" Becca could be someone new each and every time she walked out the door.

Sometimes Becca could surprise even herself. Jesse Benavidez had worked in the disguise lab at the CIA. Jimmy had hired him to help his operatives change their identities for surveillance, and there was no one Jesse couldn't fool. Jesse had done a makeover for Becca a couple of times, and they were always good.

Once Becca went into a restroom at an event where she was under cover. As she had walked in, she saw her undercover identity and had to remind herself who she really was. The person in the mirror wasn't Rebecca Andrews. DAH! "Becca, you're under cover, silly." She had to tell herself.

Now if someone thought she shouldn't be hanging out with the dirty old man, Dale, she didn't have to worry. This woman didn't ever have to exist after today. And probably wouldn't, for that matter.

Dale pushed her for a little while then sat in a swing beside her and got himself swinging as well. Becca and Dale talked and laughed like a couple of kids. There's something about a swing set that allows the kid in you to come back out and live again.

Becca reminded herself to toss her hair a couple of times. She could see by Joanna's demeanor that she was stressing a little. Obviously Joanna took her job seriously, and Becca remembered what Joanna had said to her in the Morrison's house. "You aren't supposed to be in this house so until you're down and handcuffed, it isn't all clear!"

Becca tried to think of an inconspicuous way to get close to Joanna and let her know she wasn't alone. Joanna would be able to relax a little if she knew that Becca and Dale were NOT a threat.

The chance didn't come till Joanna and Tina took the children to the pool. The five of them went into the shallow end of the swimming pool and the kids went out to play while Tina and Joanna stayed near the steps. Joanna looked really uncomfortable leaving her bag behind.

Becca left her towel on a lounge chair and Dale picked up the bag with Becca's weapons in it. "Jeeze," Dale thought. "This girl's got to have a half of an arsenal in here. This is sure more than just a carry weapon."

It may have made both Dale and Joanna rest a little easier to know that Becca was carrying two Sig Sauer .40 cal. pistols, two throwing knives, and her Ka-Bar. She had a couple of extra magazines that fit either of the Sigs. One was a 229, and one was the smaller 224. She was proficient with both.

Becca walked into the pool, and started a casual conversation with the two "strangers". When she mentioned the catchphrase, she saw a noticeable change in the tension level in Joanna's face. Tina Simpson didn't have a clue, but Becca let Joanna know discretely that Dale had their six, and she wasn't sure that Joanna wasn't going to cry with the relief she saw. It made Becca feel great to know she could help Joanna feel that relief.

It was a little like the comfort she had felt yesterday when Marsh had stepped up on the Morrison's deck. She knew there was somebody she could count on. She wasn't alone.

Tina Simpson had noticed Joanna's change of demeanor and looked questioningly to Joanna for an explanation. Joanna just smiled at her, and began to interact in a more relaxed fashion. Tina, in turn began to relax a little at a time, and soon was playing with her children like they weren't threatened at all. It was good to see them relax and have some fun.

Joanna was a real study. She seemed to be genuinely interested in Becca, but she was intrigued by the clandestine nature of Becca's involvement. Becca really was beginning to like the rookie cop, and hoped Marsh would like her too. Mostly she hoped she could open up to Joanna sometime in the near future, and they could get to be friends in reality. Not have to hide anything from each other.

Becca could tell Joanna liked her, but she (Joanna) had no clue who Becca really was. Wouldn't Joanna come unglued if she saw Becca or someone else disappear into the bull-pen, and then the bull-pen just disappear. She wondered how Joanna would feel about hopping in the Gulfstream and taking care of some client issue, half way around the world, and being back for breakfast the next morning. Only time would answer some questions.

Joanna continued to try to get more information from Becca. She kept asking personal questions, as well as questions about Becca's work. She had invited Becca to come over to Dan's estate for dinner. The police department chaplain was coming out and there was going to be plenty of food. She seemed delighted when Becca indicated that she would probably be able to come over.

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"We'll look forward to getting to meet her, Marshall. Don't be a stranger, Son. Come out here and visit more often. It's nice to see Victoria so happy. You may have brought some bad news, Marshall. But you made Mama Vicky happy, in the long run. We've got to get back to the docks for a meeting, but I'm really glad you came out." Papa Victor wore a pleasant face as he led his brothers and his other son out to the Towncar.

Mama Vicky looked at Marsh and beamed. "Marshall," she said. "You did bring some bad news, but what you did for this family is way more than you can imagine. I know Victor and Antonio have been stressed out about Tony. He was getting to the place where he was killing someone just to kill them, even if he didn't have a contract. It didn't matter if they were just innocent, private citizens. He just got a joy from watching people die. Your Uncle Joey was about to take out a contract on him, and Victor was afraid that Tony would hear about it and kill Giuseppe, out of spite."

It's too bad he and that Trevor Gordon sucked Tommy into it, but you really just took the problem off of Victor and Antonio's shoulders. Did you see the relief on Antonio's face Marshall? He was really worried, and when you seemed so worried about what he would do, he wanted to give you hugs and kisses like I did."

"I'll remind him, Marshall to put the word out there that Harold Gordon is on his own now. Victor is not faultless, son, but he doesn't like it when family members use violence and intimidation with innocent victims."

"Harold had asked if Mario's firm would help him and his cronies, but you can be sure that's not going to happen now either. Your brother won't tolerate the kind of shit Harold has tried to pull. He may have some dirty cops and ADA's in his pocket, but the funding for that shit is going away from this minute on. Mama Vicky has made an executive decision, and Papa Victor knows that if Mama's not happy, ain't nobody gonna be happy."

Mama Vicky looked like she was very pleased with herself and Marsh knew he'd done the right thing by coming out here to do what he did.

Marsh helped Mama Vicky put the left overs away, and put the dirty dishes in her commercial grade dishwasher. Mama Vicky loved to cook for her family, and Papa Victor made sure it was as easy for her as it could be. Papa Victor liked Mama's cooking and lived well on it.

It was only a little after midafternoon in California when Marsh fired up the 407, and headed back to SBD, and Jimmy's Gulfstream. A huge load was off his shoulders as well. He knew he had started the day with the right plan. Now he knew how right it had been, and he was pleasantly relieved that things had gone as well as they had. He even had some good news to share with his new neighbor. Dan should be pleased to hear that Harold Gordon had burned one of his main supply bridges.