Knight Rider 2000

Knight Challenge

Part Two

Written by

Scott Kirkessner

&

M9J14C7

Based upon KNIGHT RIDER

Created by

Glen A. Larson

Original KNIGHT RIDER 2000 Concept by

Rob Hedden

New concept by

Scott Kirkessner

The Knight Foundation loses, but refuses to give up when facts in the murder become suspicious and point at Medallion…

Rated PG-13 for language.

There was a silence, and the scanner on the front of the car grew dimmer and slower. KITT never had a chance to reply as the scanner made its last wind sounds, and then it faded away completely. The virus had done its job.

Shawn did not move. She remained close to KITT, a move she should have made when she left FLAG.

Kevin, Natalie and Bonnie all walked back over to Shawn and the now dead KITT.

“Tell me there is something you can do for him.” Shawn said.

Kevin shook his head. “Shawn… I don’t know. I really don’t know.”

“I’m not going to let him go this easy.” Shawn said.

“And neither will we, Shawn.” Bonnie said. “I am going to stay up as long as it takes to get KITT back online.”

“It’s going to be hard,” Kevin said, “but I think we can do it.”

“I hope so,” Natalie said, “because we’re in trouble without KITT.”

“No you aren’t,” Maddock said, walking back from where he stopped to answer a call, “I've got more bad news. We just got word from our government contact that Medallion has solved the case.”

“So,” Natalie Markins said, “who did it?”

“They arrested a guy by the name of Richard Scoville this evening.” Russell Maddock replied.

Shawn McCormick stood up. “Richard Scoville? He didn't come up anywhere.”

Kevin Williams looked on multiple screens trying to search for the name. “Who is he?”

“He was a middle aged, divorced man who lived in the apartment next to her. He drove a silver 1991 Ford Probe. That accounts for the silver paint you found at the crime scene. He worked at the local grocery store, an assistant manager.”

“What was the motive?” Natalie asked.

“Medallion has left that part up to the lawyers and the police. They've done all they needed to do for the contract from the government. We've lost the contract, and KITT. Welcome back, Shawn.” Maddock said, leaving everyone in the garage.

March 20, 2002

0719 Hrs PST

Knight Foundation Headquarters

Location: Seattle, Washington

It was an early Wednesday morning; Shawn McCormick sat on the steps that led up to the main entrance of Knight Industries, located on the massive Knight Foundation campus. She stared off into the distance, beyond the parking lot and into the trees that were behind. She thought about her service with FLAG before her leave of absence.

She had liked it, compared to being in the police department. But, maybe that was just because KITT's chip in her head had led her there. It may have just been a day, but things were different now with KITT gone.

Natalie drove up and parked her navy-blue Crown Victoria in a front parking space. She got out of the car, and walked up on the steps, and stopped when she came to Shawn.

“You're here early,” she said.

“Yeah well, I couldn't sleep.” Shawn said.

“Me neither.”

Natalie sat down on the step beside Shawn.

“You don't have to be here, the case is over.” Shawn said.

“You're just going to quit? Just like that? Again?” Natalie asked.

“Didn't you hear Maddock last night? The case is over. Medallion won the contract. We lost. The case has been solved.”

“Are you really sure you were ready to return to FLAG?” Natalie asked.

“What kind of question is that?” Shawn asked, angry.

“Did you hit your head while you were on vacation? Because you seemed to forget the Foundation’s philosophy: One man's dream? To champion the cause of the innocent? Am I ringing any bells here?”

Shawn meekly nodded.

“I refuse to believe Scoville is guilty. Not once did his name show up in any of our evidence. If he really was guilty, KITT or the boy… Kevin, or Bonnie would have found that name. Besides what was Taylor doing at that shack in the woods. And the cellular phone number? I don't think a man who lived in that apartment complex could even afford a cellular phone or a computer to access the network. What about that paint chip? KITT said that it wasn't your ordinary car paint. And above all, I refuse to believe KITT is dead.”

“Then what do we do?”

Natalie stood up. “I say we keep going.”

KITT was quietly sitting in the garage, raised off the ground. The bolted-on hood was removed and laying on the ground. Wires were connected to components inside the engine area to a massive wall of machines.

Bonnie stood in front of the car for a while, her hand to her chin. Kevin had passed out about an hour ago and Bonnie decided to let him briefly sleep. She eyed the red Knight 4000 body. Sure, as a shell it was still there. It still had some of its operations, but the “life” and “personality” that it had was now gone.

As ridiculous as it sounded, KITT was Bonnie's best friend. It didn't have to be a person to be your friend. For some people, their best friend was their dog. And for Bonnie, it was this car. But, why not? It had a true personality. Artificial intelligence really wasn't an appropriate name for it, this is true intelligence, or was anyway.

Bonnie tried her hardest on many times to disassociate herself from the Knight Foundation. After close to a year of service, she felt unappreciated. Michael and KITT would dash out the door on their James Bond fantasy missions and she would be left to play secretary or Ms. Fix It whenever the semi had to rush out of Los Angeles to wherever Michael and KITT ended up stuck, flipped over, or dented.

The field of technology is forever changing, and when Bonnie was working for Knight Industries for that year, she missed hundreds of chances to be a part of scientific breakthroughs.

And she missed them for what? To be an under appreciated mechanic.

Bonnie remembered the day she had finally made her decision to leave, and confronted Michael and Devon together. It was not an easy task.

“Why?” Michael asked.

Bonnie rubbed her forehead. “It’s hard to explain, Michael. Not many people have the chance to work here with the latest in artificial intelligence, but it is just one area,” Bonnie said, as she lightened up the truth, “and fields and breakthroughs are passing me by at every waking moment. There is much more out there to be learned, and I want to be a part of it.”

“Bonnie, we may be a little under funded but Knight Industries can be the center of technological breakthroughs. I’m sure you could get a grant to continue your studies here-”

Bonnie cut Devon off. “But that’s the problem. I would be able to conduct better research at a university or a similar institution.”

“This isn’t a money issue, is it?” Devon asked.

“No,” Bonnie said, “this is something I need to do for myself.”

“Sounds like you’ve been planning this for awhile.” Michael said.

“A month or two,” Bonnie said, “UC Berkeley accepted me into their computer engineering and robotics department.”

“Well,” Devon said, folding his hands on his desk, “there will be some paperwork for you to fill out, and other things which we can accomplish at a later time.” The old man was obviously crushed by Bonnie’s decision.

Bonnie nodded and left the room. Michael was right on her heels outside in the hallway.

“Why are you doing this?”

“I told you in there, Michael.”

“No you told Devon a softened version to lighten the blow, and it didn’t work either. So come clean with me, right here, right now.” Michael said.

“Michael, I would love to stay here with KITT and continue AI research, but I’m being held back, restricted while I work here.”

“What ever happened to upholding Wilton Knight’s dream?” Michael asked.

Bonnie shook her head. “You are upholding his dream, Michael. I’m fixing the car.” She wiped a tear forming at her eye and left Michael standing in the hallway.

KITT was sitting in the laboratory, not knowing of the situation that had just transpired. Bonnie walked inside, still wiping tears away.

“Bonnie,” KITT asked, concerned, “are you all right?”

This part hurt Bonnie most of all. To her, KITT was a child, still learning. He had only been activated for little over two years, and still had a whole world to discover. What hurt Bonnie was that she was being forced to leave KITT, and would not be able to accompany him on his discovery.

How can it be easy to explain to someone who you have grown to love, and grown to act as a mother to, that you were leaving them, at the beginning of their life?

To Bonnie, it was an impossible choice she had to make. She sat down in the driver’s seat, something she hadn’t done in a long time, and felt her way around KITT’s dashboard.

“This is hard for me to say KITT, but I am going to be leaving the Knight Foundation soon.”

“You are leaving, Bonnie?” KITT asked.

“Yeah, KITT. I am going back to school. Over to UC Berkeley to study advances in computer engineering and technology.” Bonnie explained.

“Why are you leaving?”

Bonnie held her head and closed her eyes. “It’s a hard decision, KITT.”

“Bonnie, I am one of a kind. Have you had any other opportunities to work with artificial intelligence before?”

“No, KITT. But I feel empty while I am working here. Things are passing me by at light speed, and I want to be a part of it. I can’t get far here, KITT. I’m not appreciated, KITT. I am the mechanic and the genius.”

“I don’t think of you like that, Bonnie.” KITT said.

“I know you don’t KITT,” Bonnie said, wiping more tears away from her eyes, “but I just have to move on from here… somewhere where I am entirely appreciated.”

“I wish you would change your mind.”

“I wish I could,” Bonnie said, “but I think it is for the best that I leave.”

“I don’t. Who will be able to take your place?” KITT asked.

“I don’t know,” Bonnie said, “I have been doing some quiet, small research for someone qualified enough for a replacement.”

“It won’t be the same without you, though.” KITT protested.

“I know it wont,” Bonnie said, “but you can rest assured that I will be happy where I am going to be.”

“Bonnie, I hope your replacement has the same warm bedside manner you’ve shown me this past year.”

“I’m sure she will, KITT.” Bonnie said, starting the car.

“What are you planning to do?” KITT asked.

“Who says Michael gets to have all the fun with you behind the wheel?” she said, pulling out of the garage with a tear in her eye.

Bonnie opened her eyes and found tears were clouding them again. She wiped them away and shook her head. “Much good my research did when they hired that red-headed bimbo.” She said to no one in particular.

Bonnie crawled down and went underneath the lifeless car. From underneath he pulled out a black box that had a clear plastic cover so that you could see through it. The lights that had once blinked on and off inside of it, showing signs of this neural net working, were not blinking. The virus had taken its toll.

Bonnie would not settle for this. KITT had always come back, all of times that he had been destroyed, he was repaired, and she was always the one who would do it with the exception of her replacement.

0948 Hrs PST

Natalie walked into Maddock's office where she saw him and Shawn talking about the Harrison case.

Not caring for what they were talking about, she interrupted. “Bonnie is fixing KITT.”

Maddock sat up. “You can tell her to stop, I've got the technicians ready to have the Knight 4000 repaired and have the old system installed.”

“What?!” Shawn said, angry.

“The what?” Natalie said, confused. “You people need to keep me better informed.”

“The old system was the biggest ass of intelligence I'd ever met.” Shawn said.

“How can you give up on KITT so easily? No wonder why Medallion beat us, you give up to quickly. The first thing in busting the bad guys is to keep putting the pressure on, no matter what's happened!” Natalie said.

“She’s right,” Shawn said, “the case is not all that it appears to be and we all have keep the pressure on. There has got to be something out there.”

“Just do everything you can to dig up information on those two, and analyze that paint chip. It should still be in the chemical analyzer. There have got to be some answers in here somewhere.” Natalie said, leaving the room.

Maddock felt double-teamed. “You two have got guts.”

“Well, someone around here has to.” Shawn replied leaving the room.

Joe had returned to the diner for his usual meeting with the intimidating man. The man walked in and sat down. By this point, the waitress recognized them, and she didn't even bother them for an order.

She knew what the answer would be.

“I told you I'd take care of the Knight Foundation,” Joe said. “You did say that car was being run by a large number of computers didn't you?”

“Yes,” the man answered.

“Well, the virus that I left on a blank CD in that safe must have done the trick. When I got back to the apartments I saw them leave. And the safe was missing the CD. I haven't seen them since. They must have left.”

“You're pretty damn lucky, Joe. But you think it’s all over don't you?”

“Well, they've lost. They're not coming back now.”

“That's what you think. But, people like them might not give up so easily. We're not out of the woods yet, Joe.” The man stood up and left the diner again. He returned to his navy-blue Suburban and drove off. On the road, he rolled his eyes at the continuing incompetence of Joe Waters. He picked up a cell-phone and dialed a number.

“Yeah?”

“This is Johnson,” the man said, “Joe is starting to piss me off.”

“Don’t you worry about him,” the man on the other end of the phone said, “he’ll screw himself over soon. It’s the Knight Foundation we should keep an eye on.”

“The virus worked?”

The man on the other end of the phone tugged at his navy-blue vest and ran his free hand through his dirty blonde hair. “It did what it needed to do,” he said, “it took KITT out of the equation.”

“Are you positive? You do realize how many times he was damaged and repaired. Even the Garthe Knight clone couldn’t finish KITT off with his tank.” Johnson protested.

“Johnson, you are one of my most trusted friends, and you know how my mind works just about as well as I do. If FLAG does manage to get KITT online, Medallion would have won the contract and the Foundation would be too far behind. But don’t worry, Eric. I have a back up plan in the works as well. Just in case.” The man said, hanging up the telephone.

1221 Hrs PST

Bonnie and Kevin were sitting at a table near the car in the garage. The table was cluttered with high-tech equipment and pieces of what made up KITT. Shawn was sitting with them, writing on a paper on a folder in her lap.

Kevin looked at the open CPU. “I’ve seen this thing working and not working so many times,” he said, “But when it wasn’t working, it was because he either took a missile the wrong way or something. I can’t believe a simple computer virus did him in like this.”

“Kevin, you as well as me should know that nothing could do KITT in. Besides, with that genius brain of yours,” she said, rubbing his hair, “we can get KITT up and ready soon.”

Natalie walked into the garage with a small plastic bag in her hand. “I've got information on that paint chip back from the lab.”

“Terrific,” Shawn said, looking away from her paper. Natalie handed her a black folder.

“KITT was right, it was no ordinary paint chip,” Natalie said, “They were able to take what KITT was working on from his RAM module and build on it. The chip is actually a flake from a bullet reflective alloy. The lab was able to trace it back to something similar to an early prototype molecular bonded shell from back in the seventies.” After a pause she asked, “How is it going?”

“Slow.” Bonnie said. “But progressive.” A component sparked. “Maybe. I got shreds of his programming I am trying to restore. The original concept of KITT was that we would upload files for missions and then erase them later. We abandoned that concept before we even started. If I can get KITT back, we can simply upload everything he sent us on the Harrison case.”

“Which is everything, right?” Natalie asked.

“Exactly.” Bonnie said.

The group looked up as they heard the door open and saw Maddock walk down the stairs. “I just got finished talking with our contact in the Social Security Administration. They personally searched their records to find Julie Harrison and Joe Waters.” He said.

“And?” Kevin asked.

“They don't exist. In fact the SSA has decided that they might have Joe Waters investigated themselves.”

“Do they think he's an illegal alien?” Natalie asked.

“They're not sure. But, one thing is for certain you and Shawn have definitely stumbled upon something.”

“Damn right,” Shawn said, “and if my guess is right, Medallion's got the wrong man.”

“Bingo!” Kevin yelled. Everyone looked.

“What?” Bonnie asked.

“I just hacked our own system. I knew there had to be backup backups somewhere. We’re back in business!”

“You serious? I thought all the backups were wiped clean.” Bonnie said.

“We took every precaution in the redevelopment of Knight Industries after The Outfit infiltrated us. We put together backup backups and stuff. I knew we had it but I couldn’t find it to help me. I just did.”

“All right!” Bonnie yelled, politely pushing Kevin out of the way to look at the computer screen. She read it over quickly. “It’s a little garbled, but we can definitely get him back from this!”

“Except...” Kevin said, pointing at the screen.

“Recent memory.” Bonnie finished.

Everyone looked at Shawn.

1312 Hrs PST

“Miss McCormick, I assure you that everything will be all right,” the doctor said.

“Doctor, with all due respect, this isn't exactly a routine procedure,” Shawn said in her repugnant tone.

“Believe me, I have done this many times.”

“Is it not true, though, that 1 out of every 147.34 people that have been through an RNA transfer suffer from RNA transfer psychosis?”

“Yes, I believe I have heard that statistic somewhere, but you have already been through an RNA transfer before and it did no damage to brain, and that was even with a gunshot wound according to our records.”

“This isn't just an RNA transfer, though, doctor. You are trying to access data from a chip that is inside of my brain. Statistically speaking—,”

“Look, Miss McCormick, I have done something like this before. You just need to relax; everything is going to be just fine. We're going to give you a mild anesthetic, and the worst you'll feel is a minor pinch in your head. We'll be finished copying the data in thirty minutes, and then you can go home with a little headache. By tomorrow the only left will be a small scar on your forehead.”

This seemed to have calmed Shawn down a little. So, she stayed quiet, reading the statistics off in her brain.

“Now,” the doctor said, “if you'll just go in the room, the nurse will give you an anesthetic, and I'll be in there as soon as I can.”

Shawn went to the RNA transfer room as the doctor had told her to. Natalie Markins and Russell Maddock had been standing quietly in the back of the doctor's office.

“We’re really sorry about how hostile she was,” Maddock said. “It's the chip, sometimes it takes over her personality depending on the situation she's in. It comes and it goes.”

“I've had worse,” the doctor said, “Don't worry about her, she's going to be fine. In a mere thirty minutes we'll have all of the information from that chip copied to a CD and in your hands.”

“How do you feel?” Natalie asked as Maddock helped Shawn into the navy blue Crown Victoria.

“My head hurts a little,” she said lightly touching the bandage on her forehead, “but I'll be okay.”

The car pulled out of the hospital parking lot, and drove.

Shawn decided to break the silence during their ride back to the Foundation, “So, you really think that Medallion is wrong?”

“There isn't a doubt in my mind.” Natalie answered.

“Maybe they just sent us on a bunch a false leads.” Maddock said. “I’ve seen plenty of fake shit when I was a DA.”

“No way. I'm telling you, there were too many coincidences.” Shawn said.

“Like what?” Maddock asked.

“Like the mobile phone that was used to dial into the gas company's computer network. There's no way that a guy as poor as him even had access to it.”

“Why not at an office?”

“It just doesn't make any sense, if it was owned by an office than it would've been traceable.”

“Who do you think did it?”

“Joe Waters.”

“Oh come on, Natalie.” Maddock said.

“Everything points to him. Look at all of the equipment he had in there. He had a reason for living in that apartment complex other than he couldn't afford anything else.”

“I'll admit he does seem like he's hiding something. I wonder what that CD had on it.” Shawn said.

“Probably nothing. My best guess was that it was a trap, made specifically for some kind of high tech computer. He knew a little bit more about us than he should have.” Natalie said.

“Do you think he knew about KITT?” Maddock asked, concerned for security.

“No, probably not. But, I think he was pretty sure that we had some very high tech stuff somewhere. He probably assumed that whatever we used to read that CD got the virus, it would slow us down.”

“What did the SSA come up with?” Shawn asked.

Maddock took out his laptop and connected with the FLAG Database. “Nothing,” he said. “There's just nothing to find. We even checked the witness protection programs, but they couldn't give us anything.”

“I just don't understand,” Shawn said. “There's got to be something out there. Where did he buy all of that stuff, there must be some phone number or credit card number or bank account number. I just don't get it.”

“Which is exactly what they want.” Natalie said.

“Exactly what who wants?” Maddock asked.

“Whoever it is that killed Julie Harrison, whether it was Joe or anyone else. What about Richard Scoville?”

“He was easier to get information on. And I'm beginning to agree with you,” Maddock said. “The man is the perfect figure of a saint. His record is as clean as it was the day he was born, not even a single traffic violation, it does seem a little bit odd that he would be involved in the murder of Julie.” He paged through the information on the laptop. “He was divorced to his wife back in '93. DMV shows that his car is a 1991 Ford Probe, with silver paint. He worked at a local supermarket, a Grocery Market. He was assistant manager. He has two children, two girls, one is eleven and one is nine. The mother currently has custody rights of the children, but he can see them whenever he wants. He also helps feed the homeless a few times a week; he donates not only time but also almost 25% of his income after taxes to charities. There's no way this guy killed her.”

“We better find a quick way to prove it, otherwise Scoville is going to jail.” Natalie said.

“There is an article here from the local Edmond paper says that he insists that he's innocent. He's got an alibi, but no one can testify to it. Shawn, we just got access to the new WireNet News Service. We should check it out when we get back.” Maddock said.

“Good idea, and let’s hope Bonnie and Kevin can work their magic.” Natalie said.

“Wow, you actually do know his name.” Shawn said, smiling.

1734 Hrs PST

Bonnie and Kevin were furiously working on restoring KITT for the past few hours without any interruptions or breaks.

Shawn walked into the garage alone. “So,” she said walking up to the table, “how's KITT coming?”

“He's been asking about you ever since I got the chip in the CPU. I'm just now getting ready restart the voice modulator program.” Bonnie said.

“Shawn,” a voice said, “are you there? Bonnie, Kevin, is Shawn there?”

“I’m here KITT.” Shawn said, smiling.

“He can't hear you yet,” Kevin said, “let me restart the preceptors.” He pressed a few keys at the keyboard. “There, I'm done.”

“Shawn?” KITT said. “Are you there?”

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“I'm so glad to see you again.”

“Me too, KITT. Welcome back.” Shawn said.

“KITT, we’re gonna take you offline for a little bit to finish our work,” Bonnie said, “but we’ll get you online again soon.”

“Thank you, Bonnie.” KITT said. “See you soon, Shawn.”

Kevin typed on the keyboard and switched KITT off. “In about thirty-six hours KITT is going to be new and even better than before.”

“What are you going to do for him?” Shawn asked.

“We’re upgrading his CPU housing and components in his CPU.” Bonnie said.

“And putting in some few surprises too.” Kevin said.

“Like what?” Shawn asked, persistent.

Bonnie laughed. “I guess Michael never told you never to ask me what kind of goodies I rebuild KITT with.” She said.

“He did, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t try.” Shawn said, with a smile.

“Nice try,” Kevin said, “but get out! Time to let the artists work.”

“All right, you two got your space.” Shawn said, messing up Kevin’s carefully styled hair before she left the room.

“Everyone’s been doing that to you lately, huh?” Bonnie asked.

“Yeah,” Kevin said, attempting to fix his hair, “soon everyone will be calling me Sport.”

The two technicians laughed as they went back to work.

1858 Hrs PST

Shawn passed a conference room and noticed Natalie sitting in front of a television. She walked inside and looked at the equipment.

“What's all this?” Shawn asked looking at the desktop computer hooked up to a big screen television.

“It’s our new WireNet News Service we just got access to. It has an archive of every broadcast of every station in the world. Only a few select companies have access to this service,” Natalie said. “With it I can enter any topic from traffic accidents to major political scandals.”

“Or even the murder of Julie Harrison,” Shawn said.

“Yes. I just figured out how to get this to work.” she said, typing in the words “JULIE HARRISON.”

The computer screen said, “SEARCHING...” And quite quickly a response appeared, “FIVE MATCHES CURRENTLY FOUND, STILL SEARCHING. PRESS ENTER TO VIEW THE FIVE MATCHES.”

Natalie pressed the enter key on the keyboard and a menu appeared on the screen. She selected the first choice, and instantly the news clip appeared on the big screen television.

An anchorwoman began speaking, “We now go to Joy Cruz-Uribe who is at the crime scene of a horrifying murder.”

The picture switched to the young journalist who stood on the sidewalk of the busy street in front of the apartment complex.

“Earlier this evening a woman was brutally murdered at her residence, the Greenfront Apartment complex just outside of Edmond. Police officials refuse to disclose the woman’s name until her family has been identified. Police say they are working on the case as best they can, and want to assure all local residents that they shouldn't feel in any danger in their homes. We'll have more as the case develops, back to you in the studio.”

The clip stopped, and the computer screen said, “RELATED ARTICLES PRESS 'R'.”

Natalie pressed 'R' and found one on the gas leak. “Take a look at that one,” Shawn said.

She selected the clip about the gas leak and it appeared on the screen.

A black man was doing the reporting inside of the shelter, “This shelter is normally used for Edmond’s homeless population. But tonight, people from the southern Edmond area will be staying here due to potential gas leak. Many of the residents that you can see behind me are quite disturbed because they were hoping to be relaxing at home this evening. Local authorities and the gas utility company say they're working on the problem as best they can and plan to have these people back in their homes as soon as possible. Join us again at 11pm for team coverage. I’m Jack Dunbar for KFOR, Oklahoma’s NewsChannel 4.”

“Wait a minute,” Shawn said. “Go back a few seconds. A man stood in front camera for about two seconds.”

Natalie brought the clip back up on the screen and stopped when the man appeared behind the news reporter.

“Do you have a file of Richard Scoville?” Shawn asked.

Natalie flipped through her mass of paperwork and found the file. She opened it and took out the picture.

“What time was that footage taken?” Shawn asked.

“10:30 that evening.” Natalie answered.

“And Julie was murdered around 10:30 as well.”

Shawn slammed the table. “Bingo! There's the alibi.”

“Then who was it?” Natalie asked.

“It’s gotta be Joe Waters. Everything points to him. Especially the equipment he had in that apartment. He had some of the stuff that we thought only FLAG could afford.”

“I agree,” Natalie said, “and now that we've proven Richard's innocence, it won't be long before the government breaks the contract.”

“That's the problem,” Maddock said, from the doorway, “I read through the contract. It’s permanent and there is nothing about the government being able to break it, under any circumstances.”

“Then that means we don't have much time. When is the contract being signed?” Shawn said.

“Tomorrow afternoon around 12pm, eastern.” Maddock said. “Medallion’s CEO Walter Anderson will be present for the signing in DC.”

“Then that doesn't leave us much time,” Shawn said, “We’re out of here.”

1930 Hrs PST

Natalie and Shawn walked into the garage to see a confusing mess of Knight Industries technicians running around the garage, packing things onto moveable pallets. The garage’s massive doors were opened to the runway, where the rear of the 747 was opened and in the process of being loaded.

Bonnie and Kevin were yelling orders to the technicians and helping throw stuff together.

Bonnie ran up the stairs to where Shawn and Natalie were standing. “I hope you two understand how much harder it is going to be to fix KITT while we’re mobile rather than here at KI.” She said.

“We do, but we’re pressed for time.” Shawn explained.

Bonnie waived it off. “I work best under pressure.” Bonnie said, “So does Junior,” she said pointing to Kevin. She turned around when she heard a slam. “Hey, be careful with that!” she yelled, running down the stairs.

“Doesn’t anyone know his real name?” Shawn asked, leaving the garage.

Natalie followed after. “You’re still sweet on this guy aren’t you?” she said, trying to keep up with Shawn, who was ignoring Natalie’s question.

It was just over an hour before the 747 was in the air. Maddock stayed behind in Seattle to tie up loose ends with benefactors and supporters. Shawn was lying down in her cabin on the plane thinking to herself. Too many things were happening at once. Too much was involved with this case for it to make sense.

But they won. Maybe. They found a way to clear the guy that Medallion picked from nowhere. They found a way to get KITT back. Medallion was soon going to be toast if they get to Edmond in time…

If they get to Edmond in time…

March 21, 2002

0042 Hrs CST

They were just a few minutes from landing, and Bonnie and Kevin managed to fight sleep to finish KITT. Natalie walked into the cargo bay yawning and holding a cup of coffee. “I wanted to see how things were going.”

“They're going fine, Natalie,” Kevin said, “In fact we have a little bit of time to test out a few things.”

Bonnie turned to the red car where KITT had now been reinstalled, “KITT,” she said, “what is the square root of 256?”

“Bonnie, really,” KITT said.

“KITT--,” she said.

“Sixteen.”

“Give me as many synonyms as you can for the word 'jewelry.'“

“Right away, Bonnie. Jewels, baubles, precious stones, trinkets, earrings, rings, necklaces, medallions, orna--,”

“Wait a minute,” Natalie interrupted, “did you say 'medallion?'“

“Yes,” KITT said. “Why?”

Natalie didn’t answer and set her mug down on the desk. She ran out of the cargo bay and towards Shawn’s cabin.

Shawn woke up to frantic knocking on her door. She had just managed to fall asleep and put things behind her until someone woke her up. “Come in.” Shawn said.

Natalie walked inside. “Didn't Joe say that Julie had worked for some type of jewelry company?”

“Of course,” Shawn answered, “we only spent a whole day searching all of the jewelry retailers in all of Edmond.”

“Did you know that the 'medallion' is a synonym for jewelry?”

“No shit, Natalie, but, what are you trying to say?”

“I think Julie worked for Medallion.”

“Wait a minute,” Shawn said, “Are you saying that Medallion might have been involved in the murder of Julie Harrison?”

“I always thought that it was weird that it seemed Will Taylor hadn't really been investigating the crime scene,” Natalie said. “I think that he was trying to shoo us away from Greenfront because he knew that they hadn't finished removing all of the evidence.”

Shawn nodded. “And assuming that Julie worked for Medallion and her identity was completely concealed somewhere, then maybe Joe works for them as well.”

“In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they're identities had been changed.” Natalie said.

“So here’s the bigger question.”

“Which is?”

“Why the hell is Medallion murdering people?”

“See,” Joe said, “I told you I'd come through. One more day and the contract is officially ours.”

“Not so fast,” Johnson, the intimidating man said, “you never know what could happen in one day.”

“Jesus, Eric, quit being so uptight,” Walter Anderson said, “I'll admit that Joe made quite a few mistakes letting Julie in. But, that's what happens when people get in the way, they get killed.”

“And like Joe hasn't gotten in the way either,” Will Taylor said, sipping on a glass of water.

“All right,” Walter said, annoyed, “I'll acknowledge the fact that he got in the way. But, he also helped clean up the mess. Most importantly he helped get rid of the Knight Foundation.”

“Thanks, Walter.” Joe said.

There was some awkward silence between the four men before Johnson spoke up. “There never is really getting rid of the Knight Foundation. Watch where you step.” Johnson said, getting up and leaving the diner.

“Who the fuck is that guy?” Joe asked, angry.

“Relax,” Walter said, “everything is going to be just fine. You just need to calm down.”

“You can't make me. Why did we ever get into this? How did we ever get into this?”

“Quit second-guessing my decisions,” Walter was beginning to get agitated. “What would you have done if some guy came up to you and said, 'I'll give a quarter of a billion dollars, if you'll take care of this one thing for me.' How could I resist? It was our easy way in.”

“You shouldn't have taken the money.” Will said.

“Hell, Will, I started out with nothing. I was living in the front seat of my old VW Bug. I had nothing to start Medallion with, and then Eric shows up, telling me some guy is offering me a quarter of a billion dollars. That's enough for twenty-five years, at ten million dollars per year.”

“You just chose the easy ticket into your dream. Besides, once you murdered five people and covered up everything just as he asked, you didn't get a dime of that money. Johnson kept stringing you along saying the money is on the way. So in your desperation you came to me, and you made me go rob an armored car, and so you got your big twenty million dollars, so you could start your big business to help people. But, by that point you had been so corrupt that it didn't matter.” Will said.

“Give me a break,” Will said, “you don’t think a single moment goes by that I don’t want to punch that guy’s lights out? His phantom boss is jerking our chains, but he’s been giving us the one up on FLAG since day one. That money will come.”

“You screwed up all our lives, Walter. Joe comes in, with his new girlfriend Julie, and she finds the plans that we had made to steal that car--,” Will was interrupted.

“Wait a damn minute,” Joe said. “None of this is my fault. You're the one hired Julie, not me. If you hadn't have hired her, I wouldn't have met her, and then none of this would have happened.”

“Don't blame this on me,” Will said, slightly raising his voice, “you knew to stay out of my stuff. If you hadn't brought her in my office then she would still be alive today.”

“You're the one who killed her. You didn't have to go to all of that trouble to murder her. You just had to get her out of the way.”

“All right, all right,” Walter said, “that's enough. There isn't any more reason for you to continue to fight about this. What's done is done. The most important thing is that we found a man who we could put this all on, and once we sign that contract we're going to put all of this behind us. Is that clear?”

“Yes,” they said.

“That's better. Will pick me up tomorrow morning at ten thirty, Joe, you've got the day off. Go home, get some rest, and relax. All of this has put too much stress on you two. You just need some time to get yourself back together again.”

The three men got up and left the diner. Joe walked over to his car and drove away.

“Will,” Walter said. “I can trust you, can't I?”

“Of course.” Will said, disdainfully.

“Joe is the only person who can put us out of business. His heart is controlling his brain. After the contract is signed tomorrow, take care of it.”

“But wait a minute. I thought all of this was over.”

“Joe is the last loose end that we've got to wrap up. Julie and Joe came together as a team. If one's gone, why not the other?”

0100 Hrs CST

The cargo bay of the 747 was illuminated by flashing red lights as the rear door swung down.

“All right,” Bonnie said, following Shawn, “we’ve taken care of separating your memory from his, and he is fully operational. You should have no problems whatsoever.”

Shawn nodded. “Thanks a lot, Bonnie. You and Kevin did a great job.” Shawn said, getting into the driver’s seat.

Natalie came running down the stairs putting her jacket on. She hopped into the passenger seat and looked at Shawn. “Let’s hit it.”

KITT was blazing down the road at over 240 miles per hour. His front lights illuminated the road before him. “So, what have I missed over the past couple of days?” KITT asked.

“Medallion won the contract,” Shawn said. “They busted a guy named Richard Scoville.”

“If Medallion won the contract then why are we heading back to Edmond?” KITT asked.

“Because,” Natalie explained, “Scoville didn't do it. They said that Scoville drove a silver Ford Probe. Remember that paint chip you were analyzing?”

“Yes,” KITT answered.

“You said it wasn't any ordinary car paint, nothing industrial like what would be found on a Ford. The lab found that it was a high polymer paint that could reflect bullets.”

“You two do know the color of Will Taylor’s wimpy car, right? Do you think he was involved in the murder of Julie Harrison?”

“It's a very close possibility. That's why were going to Edmond.” Shawn said.

“So what is our next move?” KITT asked.

“Well the good thing is we have a few hours before the contract is signed in Washington. Maddock is awaiting our word.”

“We should try to access Medallion’s computer network.” Shawn said. “Any idea where you can being looking, KITT?”

“I'll search World Wide Web home pages first,” KITT said. Images on began to fly across the central monitor.

It was just under a minute before KITT reported his findings. “I've found a World Wide Web home page for Medallion, and it's quite poor compared to many of the others that are out now.”

“Find employee access or something.” Natalie said.

“I’ve found it,” KITT said, “it requires a User-ID and password, much like many other Internet access gateways. It shouldn’t be too long before I gain entry.”

“I remember when hacking was illegal and I worked for the agency that would investigate.” Natalie said, sarcastically.

“If you want to completely uphold the law, sometimes you have to bend it.” Shawn said.

“I've gained access to the administrator's user-id.” KITT announced.

“Good work, KITT.” Shawn said.

“See if Julie Harrison is in there under personnel.” Natalie said.

A page of names scrolled on the screen. A name was highlighted. It was Julie Harrison.

“I knew it,” Natalie said. “Julie worked for Medallion.”

“Her real name is Julie Bernstein,” KITT explained, “and, it says here that her entire face and identity was changed using a laser reconstruction system.”

“But, why did they change her identity?” Shawn asked.

“I'm not sure, but I'm working on it now.”

Natalie turned to Shawn, “Why would they change her identity?”

It had been over an hour since they left Oklahoma City for Edmond. They entered the town twenty minutes ago and were parked at Greenfront Apartments. KITT still hadn't come up with anything from the Internet database on why Julie's identity had been changed.

He had come up with, however, some information on Joe Waters. His identity had been changed too. Natalie and Shawn’s speculations were becoming closer and closer to the truth. It seemed as if Joe and Julie were meant to be a team. But, again, those were only mere speculations; there was nothing to back it up.

Michael and Shawn weren't really sure were to start. When they had left Edmond earlier that week, they were going to be heading for McDonald’s for dinner. Before that they had been trying to access the CD, and before that they had been searching the entire area for the “jewelry” store that Julie had been working in.

They succeeded in finding answers to a lot of their questions, save for that run down shed in the woods that William Taylor had headed off to. There were still a lot of unanswered questions there.

“Any luck yet?” Shawn asked.

“I'm really sorry, Shawn. But, there are so many safeguards, I want to make sure that I get past each one undetected.” KITT replied.

“All right KITT, we still got awhile,” Shawn said, looking at the digital clock. It read 2:45am.

“What all did Bonnie and Kevin give you?” Natalie asked.

“They enhanced my infrared scanning capabilities, as well as a new Night Vision Enhancement to Virtual Reality Mode. They also upgraded most of my hardware.”

“Do you think your new infrared scanner could penetrate the lead under Will Taylor’s shack?” Shawn asked.

“I'm not certain that it will be able to penetrate such a high grade of lead.”

“Yeah, but it's worth a shot.” Natalie said.

KITT started up and sped out of the apartment complex.

The engine engaged itself in Pursuit Mode, and KITT sprang ahead down the highway, heading for the mysterious, run down shack in the middle of the woods.

0245 Hrs CST

“I sure hope this works.” Shawn said as they pulled up to the shack.

“Me too,” KITT said. The windshield began to have a green glow, as the projection changed to KITT’s infrared scanning mode. Soon, the green pictures on the windshield changed to wire frame drawings of the room below. “It appears to be a secret hide out of some sort.”

“Jesus,” Natalie said, “it looks like the God damn Batcave.”

“KITT, that looks like there's a car port down there. How do we get in?” Shawn asked.

“The answer to your question may be arriving soon.” KITT answered.

“What?” Shawn asked.

“My sensors detect that Will Taylor's car is approaching.”

“All right, activate silent mode and let’s get to a safe distance.” Shawn said.

KITT drove up a hill that over looked the shack. When they had reached the top, they could see that Will Taylor's shiny sports car was just then passing by the shack, and it was slowing down.

“Record all of this KITT,” Natalie said, “Thermal scan, zoomed lenses, digital enhancement.”

KITT began recording everything that was happening. Will steered passed the shack and then continued on in the woods. It seemed he was driving directly into what looked like a giant ditch. But, as they watched closer they realized that the ditch was actually an entrance way into the great underground room.

“I don't understand why anyone would go to all of the trouble of building a lead room underground in the middle of nowhere,” Shawn said.

“I do,” KITT answered. “I finally gained access to the World Wide Web server that contained all of the data that we needed.”

“Terrific,” Natalie said. “What's the story?”

“Do you know how Medallion got onto the freelance agency track so quickly and in such a short time?”

“No,” Shawn said. “But I would guess that it takes a tremendous amount of money, that's how Wilton Knight got as far as he did.”

“It does take a tremendous amount of money,” KITT said. “But do you know how they got it? By robbing an armored car that had twenty million dollars. They took the money as quickly as they could here, in the middle of nowhere. No one would ever suspect it being out here. And even if they did, the shack would be their safeguard. They would find the empty shack and think nothing else of it.”

“I just don't understand,” Shawn said. “If they were supposed to be helping people, then why would they go do something like that?”

“Money corrupts,” Natalie explained. “It runs the world, and once a person has it or needs it, they change quickly. People who decide to do good things with the money only come every once in a while.”

“They originally had a deal for 250 million dollars,” KITT said.

“Holy shit.” Natalie commented.

“All they had to do,” KITT continued, “was murder five people. As it turns out, they didn't even get the money. Walter Anderson the head of Medallion, tried to make sure that he kept everything covered up. But, one day Julie Harrison accidentally unraveled the story.”

“And once she knew,” Shawn said, “they had no other choice but to kill her. It's the same story all the time.”

“Joe Waters is the other person who found out along with Julie,” KITT said.

“Why didn’t they get him?” Shawn asked.

“It could be they needed him to finish a job, first,” Natalie said, “I’ve seen similar cases to this in the Bureau.”

“Will Taylor is leaving,” KITT announced.

“We should probably follow him,” Shawn said. “If we don't do it know, we're gonna end up the creek and without a paddle, and so will Joe.”

“KITT, switch to VR and activate night vision.” Natalie said.

The windshield switched to a virtual reality image. Due to no lights, it was almost impossible to see. KITT activated the night vision and everything looked clear as day.

“This should help follow Will without headlights.” Shawn said, driving down the hill and after Will.

Once he had reached the highway, Will Taylor sped down the road in his “Silver Bullet,” as he called it. He pressed the touch screen on the dashboard to activate the sensors.

“Radar detects an object closing in at 1000 meters. It is currently traveling at 148.8 kilometers per hour,” a synthesized voice said.

“Don't give me any of that metric bullshit,” Will said.

“Please rephrase your request,” the voice said, “I am unable to ascertain what you are requesting.”

“Whatever,” Will said.

“Please rephrase your answer,” the voice repeated, “I do not understand the word 'whatevuh.'“

“God damn it! How do I get you to stop speaking in that metric stuff?” Will asked.

“Do you wish to change to American measurement units?”

“Yes.”

“Radar detects and object closing in at 3300 feet. It is currently traveling at 93 miles per hour. It is moving on an intercept course and closing in rapidly. It will reach us in less than three minutes.”

“All right then, let's dust him.”

“I do not understand,” the voice said. Will ignored this; he was beginning to get tired of that response.

“Engage the nitrous oxide thrusters. We'll show that guy who's in charge.” He pressed a square displayed on the touch screen and the car shot ahead down the highway.

“What the hell just happened?” Shawn asked.

“The monitor shows that Will's car just accelerated at an enormous rate. I am detecting particles of nitrous oxide ahead.” KITT replied.

“Cheater.” Natalie said. “Let’s ice him.”

Shawn pressed a button marked PURSUIT MODE and KITT flew down the road.

“Radar detects an object closing in at a speed of 219 miles per hour. At its current acceleration it will pass our top speed of 267 miles per hour in 12.47 seconds.”

“What the hell is that thing?” Will asked.

“Sensors read it as a high-performance automobile, specifically designed for high speeds. Its engine does not show any close signs of overheating. We will be intercepted.”

“Access the strategy database. Give me some information on how we can lose this thing.”

“The number one way to lose this vehicle is by slicking this road. It certainly could not maintain traction at such a high speed.”

“Good work. Do it.” Will looked out the window. It was the darkest night he had ever seen, but he couldn't see any headlights in his rearview mirror. Where was this object that was pursuing him?

“What's that stuff pouring out of the back of Will's car?” Natalie asked.

“Oil,” Shawn said. “KITT, can we handle it?”

“Do we have to find out?”

Shawn slammed on the brakes, and KITT came to a screeching halt. “Keep him on your infrared.”

“At the speed that he's traveling, I'm not sure how long--,”

“Just do it!” Shawn said.

“The vehicle has discontinued pursuit,” the computer said.

“Great,” Will said. “Now, contact Walter for me.”

“The phone is ringing,” the voice said.

“Yeah?” a tired voice replied.

“It’s Will.”

“Did you make sure everything was secure?”

“Of course,” he answered.

“Are you positive?”

“Look,” Will interrupted, “there was something following me out of the woods.”

“Like what? An animal.”

“No a vehicle, but it was so dark I couldn't see.”

“So it was probably just a truck coming from cutting down trees.”

“No Harry, this was more than just a truck. The thing was exceeding the Silver Bullet's top speed, without coming near overheating the engine.”

“It was probably just your imagination, you’re just nervous.”

“Walter, you can take a look at the sensor logs, the car picked up a car closing in on us at top speeds.”

“Where are they now?”

“We lost them, I spread out an oil slick. But, it’s probably a matter of minutes, before they catch up to me.”

“Look,” Walter said, “don't worry about it. Just get to a populated area and hide out. Don't worry about getting me tomorrow, I'll drive to the airport myself.”

“What about Joe?”

“I'll take care of him if I have to. Just keep the Silver Bullet out of sight if you feel any need to.”

“I'm sorry we lost him,” KITT said. “He has activated a scrambler which is disrupting my scanners.”

“Do you have any idea where he might be?” Shawn asked.

“As far as I can tell he entered a residential area,” KITT said.

“Judging from the way he reacted to our pursuit, he's probably not driving around anymore. KITT, if he is hiding, where would he be?”

“Shawn there are so many places it could take all night,” KITT said.

“Try anything, KITT.” Natalie said.

“I believe that I can follow the nitrous oxide particles,” KITT said.

“Good,” Shawn said, “do it.”

Eric Johnson turned off an exit on the interstate. He had been driving for close to twelve hours and wanted to rest before he continued on to his destination. He took out his cell-phone and dialed a number.

“Where are you?”

“Somewhere outside Cheyenne,” Johnson replied as he looked for a hotel, “I should be there by tomorrow evening so we can finish this whole mess.”

“What about Medallion?”

“Heh, FLAG will probably nail them soon, we’ll let them be tossed to the dogs.”

“Good, it saved me 250 million dollars.”

“It cost me enough, those guys are clowns.” Johnson said.

“Don’t worry. Soon everything will fall into place.”

0351 Hrs CST

“They're growing fainter,” KITT said.

“We've got to be getting close we've been following this trail for forty-five minutes now,” Shawn said. “See if you can start picking up engine emissions, or a lot of computer interference within a twelve mile radius.”

“I've found something. It's got to be him.”

“Where is he?”

“Not far,” KITT said. “I would recommend slowing down. He's just around this corner.”

Shawn slowed down and turned the corner, but there was no sign of the car. The only thing she saw was a huge building with dimmed lights inside. The parking lot was empty save for a few cars.

“KITT,” Shawn said, “it’s a Bullseye.” She said, looking at the retail store.

“He's behind the building.” Natalie said.

“How did you know that?” KITT asked.

“I can see his headlights. Why else would anyone be back there at this time of night?”

“I got a plan.” Shawn said, as she slowly drove through the empty parking lot towards the back of the store.

“God dammit.” Will said, as he was bending over trying to disconnect the AI system of the car.

“Sensors detect the--” the voice was interrupted as Will pulled the wire. “System shutting down.” The voice said.

While Will was doing this, he failed to notice KITT coming nose to nose with the Silver Bullet.

Shawn and Natalie got out of the car. Shawn pulled an ultrasound handgun out of a compartment in KITT, while Natalie removed her FBI issue handgun from her holster.

Natalie stood at the driver’s side while Shawn stood at the passenger side. Natalie tapped the glass with her gun.

Will immediately looked up and was surprised at the two women with guns aimed at him. He looked at Natalie and then looked at Shawn.

“How's it going, Will?” Shawn asked.

Immediately Will started the car and shifted into reverse. Shawn brought her comm-link up to her mouth, “Microlock his brakes.”

The Silver Bullet suddenly stopped; Will didn't know what to do. In panic, he opened the door and ran out the car and into the woods that were nearby.

Natalie aimed her gun when Shawn pushed her arm down. “He’s mine.” She said, aiming her ultrasound handgun and firing.

Will went down to the ground, stunned by the sonic shot. Shawn and Natalie ran over. Shawn grabbed Will by his collar and pulled him up. “Come on, Taylor, it's all over.”

Natalie helped pick the man up and drag him over to KITT where she slammed him onto the hood of the car and handcuffed him. “KITT, call the police.” Natalie said.

“Good morning, asshole. Where would you like to start?” Shawn asked, smiling.

1050 Hrs CST

Will Rogers World Airport

Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Walter Anderson walked through the terminal with a small briefcase in his hand. The briefcase had papers and important documents which would be essential to Medallion’s confirmation with Homeland Defense. He checked his watch and saw he had enough time before his flight.

The pass through security was a bitch, but he got through it with no problems. He was anxious about the confirmation. Obviously Will had taken care of Joe and is awaiting further orders once everything is signed and ready.

He turned the corner on the concourse and walked towards his gate. He sat down and breathed a sigh of relief. It would only be a few hours before everything was official, and he finally got the recognition he worked so long and so hard for.

But that would not be happening today, or any other day. Walter failed to notice the three plain clothed federal agents sitting behind him, and also failed to notice Natalie Markins and Shawn McCormick among them.

When the first class section was called for boarding, Walter stood up and grabbed his briefcase.

Natalie signaled the other agents who stood up as well. When Walter began to walk towards the gate, the agents approached and surrounded him. In a quiet and calm manner, Walter stopped and finally realized he was screwed.

Natalie walked up to Walter. “Having everyone do your dirty work for you, not tying up loose ends and flying out of a major metropolitan airport? What’s it feel like to be a rocket scientist?”

March 22, 2002

2102 Hrs

Knight Foundation Headquarters

Location: Seattle, Washington

“It was a confusing scene today in Oklahoma City as Medallion CEO Walter Anderson was indicted into federal court. FBI and Foundation for Law and Government officials declined to comment in regards for Anderson’s arrest. It is unknown at this time whether or not Medallion’s future contract with Homeland Defense will be signed. Homeland Security director Tom Ridge also declined to comment on the situation…”

Shawn turned the WireNet News Service off and yawned. It had been a hell of a week for her. Now that the case was over, there was emptiness inside of her. Much like the emptiness she experienced soon after she left FLAG.

One thing that no one knew was that Shawn had never intended to return to FLAG. She would hope that she would be able to disappear and just live life on her own terms, under her control. It had been close to a year since her departure and Shawn wanted more than trying to disconnect herself from FLAG, but still keep a small shred of it in her heart.

Which is why she told Maddock and everyone else that she was returning to FLAG, to continue on the fight for justice, because she would be no better than those who threw their hands up in disgust and gave up. Everyone was overjoyed to hear the news, especially Bonnie and Kevin.

Natalie took the news well. She knew that Shawn would eventually return to claim her old position. But as much as she thought about it, she had actually grown to like her position with FLAG. It took her a long time to get used the concept of her car as a partner, and unfortunately, she never really utilized KITT as a partner, which is a move she regretted now that it seems that Shawn will be coming back.

But, even though Natalie grew to like her temporary FLAG Agent position, she knew where she belonged. In the Bureau. The Bureau was her life for years. She succeeded in finding serial killers, kidnapped victims and everything that earned her plenty of accolades and awards.

The two drivers were sitting inside the garage amidst hundreds of pages of documents that consisted of their paperwork for the case. Medallion had lost, and FLAG had won by default. It was a great victory for the Knight Foundation.

They hadn’t said much to each other while they were working on their documents. It had been a very long week for all of them, especially the 24-hour day from yesterday.

Natalie yawned and stretched. “Hope you don’t mind, but I am going to take off,” she said, standing up, “I’ll finish up at home.”

Shawn nodded and fought a yawn. “Have a good night.”

“You too,” Natalie said, grabbing her coat, “and welcome back.”

Natalie walked over to her navy-blue Crown Victoria in the parking lot in front of the Knight Industries complex. The lot was well lit save for some bush and tree areas. She fumbled for her keys and turned around as she heard footsteps coming towards her.

“Excuse me Agent Markins?”

Natalie recognized the person as Nick, the young whiz-kid techie that Knight Industries hired right out of high school.

“Yes, Nick, what is it?” Natalie asked, presuming that the nerd would try to ask her out to dinner or something. She didn’t anticipate the sharp pain in the back of her head, a gunshot, and everything going black…

Shawn was sitting inside the main garage in front of a computer terminal typing the case report when she noticed that Natalie had forgotten some files that she said she would work on at her house. She grabbed the files and ran out of the doors hoping Natalie hadn’t left yet.

Shawn ran out the front doors in time to see Natalie’s car pulverized by a massive explosion that set off car alarms and shattered windows. Looking up past the fire, she saw a navy-blue Chevy Suburban speeding away from the scene…

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