Knight
Rider 2000
What
Child Is This?
Written by
Scott Kirkessner
Based upon KNIGHT RIDER
Created by
Glen A. Larson
Original KNIGHT RIDER 2000 Concept by
Rob Hedden
New concept by
Scott Kirkessner
In a
holiday story for the entire family, the Knight Foundation must first rescue a
child from dangerous parents, and then find a home and guardian for that
child. On top of all of that, they must
deal with their forever changed personal lives around the holidays.
Rated PG
for mild language and violence.
December 18, 2001
2219 Hrs
Seattle, Washington
Mariel Thompson looked out the
bedroom window in her house. The rain
left the streets wet, but that wasn’t why she was up. There was constant traffic coming and going down the normally
quiet street, most notably, across the street at the Faulkner’s house.
In her thirty-seven years living
in the neighborhood, the 52-year-old widow never noticed that much traffic
across the street before. At least
until the Maitland’s moved in.
It was a quiet move in. A single Ryder truck showed up three months
ago, along with a red late model pickup truck, and within about five hours, the
family was moved in.
Mariel went over to the house one
day to welcome the new family into the neighborhood. On reaching the doorway, she noticed it was quite noisy
inside. Once she knocked, the noise
stopped, and she could hear people running around. A man answered the door.
“Hello.” He said, nicely.
“Hi. I’m Mariel Thompson from across the street. I just wanted to welcome you to the
neighborhood.” She said, presenting the man with a basket.
“Oh, thank you very much,” the man
said, “I am Tom Maitland and my wife Jessie is in the back. I would invite you in, but we’re still
moving things around. The place is such
a mess.”
Mariel smiled and waved it
off. “That’s all right. Enjoy your basket, and welcome.”
“Thank you.” The man said,
smiling.
That was three months ago, and
Mariel hadn’t heard anything back. Not
that she was a nosy neighbor and spying, but she was just curious as to why she
never saw any of the Faulkner’s at all.
The only indication that they were home was the red pickup truck in the
driveway, and the massive amount of traffic coming and going from their house.
Mariel looked back at the
house. Which was lit up, but save of
any Christmas decorations. Don’t these
people ever sleep?
The next morning, Mariel walked
outside to grab the paper. She noticed
the pickup truck was gone and the house was dark.
No, I can’t go over there, she
thought to herself, it isn’t my business.
She grabbed the paper and went back into the house.
It was about three hours later
when she looked out the window again.
The truck was still gone, but this time, there looked like there was
smoke coming out of one of the windows.
She quickly picked up the phone and dialed 911.
In no time, fire trucks showed up
at the house. Mariel watched from her
driveway as the fire fighters scrambled to get the fire under control.
“Hey, get a medical crew over
here!” a fireman yelled.
Two paramedics ran up with a
stretcher. Mariel was shocked to see a
child being wheeled out of the burning house and quickly loaded into the
ambulance. The ambulance sped away as
the firefighters fought the blaze.
Mariel could not believe her
eyes. How was a child living there
without her knowing? She never saw the
child outside waiting for the school bus that runs through the neighborhood. The child looked about maybe seven years old. The family was an inside family, hardly
left, with a bunch of traffic coming at the nighttime.
The inevitable finally hit her
when she saw the Hazardous Materials Units pull up. This house was a drug house
But wait a minute, Mariel, she
thought, don’t jump to conclusions like that.
Maybe there were tennis balls in the house or something. Or some rayon clothing. But as more police cars showed up, the drug
house conclusion soon became a reality.
It was three hours before the
firefighters got the inferno under control.
Mariel watched from her window the entire night as police investigators
worked through the late hours going in and out of the house.
She must have dozed off because
the sound of screeching tires startled her.
She looked out the window and saw a police cruiser blast down the street
with lights and sirens on.
It was just ten minutes before
more screeching tires were heard.
Mariel looked out her window again and saw the Maitland’s red truck
sitting there. Police officers had
their weapons drawn at the couple in the truck.
She was shocked to see the front
window of the truck explode as Jessie Maitland opened fire on the police
officers, who responded with gunfire in milliseconds. Tom slammed the truck into reverse and sped down the street.
The police officers ran to their
cruisers and quickly gave pursuit, leaving the investigators to inspect the
house, and Mariel staring out her window with her mouth wide open…
December 20, 2001
0619 Hrs
“There’s nothing like last minute
Christmas shopping, right KITT?” Kevin said, behind the wheel of KITT, with a
sulking Natalie Markins in the passenger seat.
“Just don’t go to Neiman Marcus,
all right Kevin?” KITT replied.
“Why?”
“It’s a long story.”
Kevin smiled and looked over at
Natalie. “Why so glum?”
“I dunno why you dragged me along
to go with you to fight dumb ass crowds in the stores which are just marketing
off this holiday anyway.” Natalie replied.
“Bah Humbug to you too.” Kevin
replied. “You know you didn’t have to
come along.”
“I didn’t know you were going to
do this. I would rather be
anywhere than sitting at FLAG going blind on paperwork while Bonnie bugs the
shit out of me.”
Kevin shook his head. “You know, I dare you to make a New Year’s
resolution to try to work out your differences with Bonnie.”
“I’ve never been good with
scientists.” Natalie said. She looked
over at Kevin and realized he was a computer whiz himself. “Obsessive scientists.” She added.
“You’re a criminologist. Isn’t that science in itself?”
“In a sense. But it’s more law enforcement.” Natalie
defended.
“If you say so.” KITT added.
“What?” Natalie asked the blank
voice modulator. “Did he always smart
off like this?”
Kevin started laughing.
“Not funny.” Natalie said,
slouching in her seat.
Kevin pulled up to a stoplight and
looked around the corners.
“What are you looking for?”
Natalie asked.
“I’m trying to see if Charley is
around.” Kevin said.
“Who?”
“Charley is a homeless man who
frequents the streets. We give him some
assistance some times around the holidays.” KITT said.
Natalie nodded. “Novel.”
“You’re a Scrooge, you know that?”
Kevin said, glaring at Natalie. “I mean
what the hell is your problem anyway.
Did Santa Claus not bring you your pink bike with a basket in front one
Christmas morning and now you’re pissed at the whole holiday and those who
celebrate it? I mean come on.”
“Kevin, FLAG is law enforcement,
right?” Natalie asked.
“Yes.”
“Then I assume you’ve seen your
share of criminals who decide to take advantage of the holidays. I’ve seen my fair share of it in the
Bureau. It pisses me off, and
considering I am always alone through most of the holidays, I just wanna get this
over with and move on. My idea of
Christmas morning is a bottle of Schnapps and watching the Macy’s parade which
I taped a month prior and only got around to watch.”
“Is that your plan for this
Christmas too?” Kevin said.
“No,” Natalie said, “I forgot to
tape the parade.”
“How sad.”
“Yeah, I know. I would have taped it, but you see, these
two buildings in New York kinda came falling down and since I am still with the
FBI and we’ve been attached to them, I’ve kinda been a little busy with some
investigations.”
Kevin floored through the red
light and pulled over to the side of the road.
He hit the AUTO DOOR RIGHT button.
Natalie looked as her door
opened. “What the hell?”
“Natalie, you don’t have to be
here, and I don’t care. I’m gonna try
to at least get some shopping done so I can get home for the holidays. You see, these two buildings in New York
kinda came falling down, and since we’re stapled to your agency, I’ve been a
little busy with things too.”
Natalie looked over at Kevin and
nodded. She reached over and closed her
door. “I’m sorry, Kevin. September 11th took its toll on
all of us.”
“I understand.” Kevin said.
“Kevin,” KITT spoke up, “I’ve
found Charley.”
Kevin looked up and saw a man in
his sixties walking down the sidewalk with a cane. Kevin got out and walked over to him. “Hi Charley.”
“Kevin!” Charley said, reaching
out to shake Kevin’s hand. “How are
you?”
Kevin shook Charley’s hand and
smiled. “I’m doing great, how about
yourself?”
“I can’t complain. The shelter’s putting me up again for the
holidays, thanks to you. I’m just out for
a walk.”
“Well that is good to hear. Charley, this is Natalie Markins, she is our
temporary field agent, on loan from the FBI.” Kevin introduced.
“Quite a list of credentials you
have there, young lady. No offense
meant, but where is Shawn?”
“Shawn had a very bad case, so she
is taking some time off.” Natalie replied.
“Oh, I hope she is all right.” He
reached into his pocket and handed Kevin a small nicely wrapped box. “This is for her. Give it to her when you see her next.” Charley looked over at KITT and walked over. “And how is my favorite- well only talking
car that I know?”
“Absolutely wonderful, Charley.”
KITT replied. “Are you enjoying the
holidays?”
“Of course I am. Seattle is always beautiful this time of
year.” Charley said.
“Well Charley, we have to take
advantage of the early bird sales,” Kevin said, “is there anything you need
from us at all?”
Charley shook his head. “Kevin, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Kevin smiled. “Well, there is one thing. Open your trunk, KITT.”
KITT’s trunk opened and Charley
walked over to it. Inside was a box
with a bow on top of it. Charley looked
up at Kevin with glassy eyes. Kevin
indicated for Charley to open the box.
Charley removed the top and took
out a London Fog trench coat. “Oh my
goodness.” He said.
“Merry Christmas, Charley.” KITT
said.
“Kevin… thank you.” Charley
said. “Merry Christmas.”
The two men shook hands, and
Charley smiled at Natalie as he started back down the street.
“Keep warm, Charley.” Kevin said,
getting back into KITT. Natalie got
inside as well and the three partners drove off.
Charley put the luxurious coat
on. He immediately noticed how roomy,
comfortable, and warm it was. He
watched the sleek red car speed down the road and smiled to himself. He was lucky to know such good friends.
Charley continued his walk down
the sidewalk when five police cars sped past him and stopped in front of the
hospital that was just a few hundred feet in front of him.
Within just a few seconds, a red
pickup truck broke through the barriers of the parking garage across the street
and sped down the road.
A police officer noticed the
commotion and pointed. She jumped into
her cruiser and sped after the truck.
Charley looked at the commotion
and continued in his walk, glancing over at a visibly shaken lady who was being
questioned by the cops.
The cops were questioning Mariel
for the second time in two days. Maybe
it was her nosey neighbor attitude that got her into this whole mess…
She stared blankly at the police
officers that were shooting the same questions to her as they did the same
night when the Maitland’s house burnt down.
She answered their questions and was finished in no time. She decided to walk back to her car in the
garage.
Charley walked over to the woman,
gave a quick tip of his hat and smiled.
“Is everything all right, ma’am?” he asked.
Mariel looked at the man, paused
for a while, thinking whether to keep walking or tell someone other than a
cop.
0929 Hrs
Russell Maddock was sitting at his
desk busy wrapping a box. His secretary
Karen was sitting on the other side wrapping a box of her own.
“Hold here please.” Maddock said,
pointing to a bow he was tying.
Karen leaned forward and held the
center as Maddock tied it around her finger.
The two began laughing. “Who
taught you how to tie a bow?”
Maddock smiled and shook his
head. “I don’t know, I figured it
wouldn’t be that hard. He said, untying
Karen’s finger from his screw up.
The two looked towards the door as
they heard someone knock on it.
“Come in.” Maddock said.
Turning the corner, Charley walked
into Maddock’s office, followed by Mariel.
“Charley,” Maddock said,
surprised, “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Well, I’m here… I guess I am here
on business.” Charley said.
“Karen, can you excuse us?”
Karen nodded and left the office.
“Have a seat, please.” Maddock
said, motioning to two chairs.
“Russ, this is Mariel
Thompson. I ran into her at the hospital,
she’s been the witness to some pretty intense things which I think FLAG will be
interested in.”
“Let’s hear it.”
“I’ll leave you two to your
business. Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Charley.”
Maddock said.
Mariel looked around the office
for a second before talking. She told
Maddock everything that happened in the past two days.
The incident at the hospital
consisted of a kidnapping. The
Maitland’s somehow made it past security and removed their son from the
hospital. By the time the police
showed, the family was just speeding out of the parking garage.
By the time she had finished, he
dispatched Kevin and Natalie back to headquarters. This was definitely a case that FLAG should be involved in.
“Do you have any idea where they
could be?”
Mariel shook her head. “I hardly talked to them. Hell I didn’t even talk to Jessie. I have no idea where they came from.”
Natalie and Kevin, with Bonnie in
tow, walked into Maddock’s office and taking a seat behind the pair.
“Mariel, meet Natalie Markins, our
field agent, Kevin Williams, our technician, and Bonnie Barstow, head of Knight
Industries. These three will be
handling the case. I want you to tell
them everything you’ve told me.” Maddock explained in a calm voice.
Mariel turned around and looked at
the three agents. There was something
about them that made her trust them.
She began retelling her story again.
1140 Hrs
Bonnie, Natalie and Kevin were
sitting in Maddock’s office going over the information that Mariel had given them. Maddock left to drive Mariel home.
“All right, this is damn
peculiar.” Natalie said.
“How so?” Kevin asked.
Natalie was about to explain when
Bonnie beat her to the punch.
“The police report shows the child
was neglected. Almost ignored at some
points. He was dehydrated and hungry
too. It’s strange as to why two pot
head parents would kidnap a child they didn’t care about.” Bonnie said.
“Maybe there was some compassion
left.” Kevin said.
“So how are we going to try to
find this boy?” Natalie asked.
“KITT, bring up a picture of the
hospital.” Bonnie said.
On the computer screen, an
overhead satellite image of the hospital showed up. “ We all ready have
pictures of the mother and father via the security cameras inside. However, security cameras were also
installed on various outside light poles to provide images of the exterior.”
Bonnie explained, pointing.
“So you think if we can tap into
those, we might be able to find some images of the truck?” Natalie asked.
Bonnie nodded. “I don’t see why not. KITT, access the external visual security
records for the time that Mariel gave us.”
In a second, ten images from the
cameras showed up on the screen. One of
the images had the rear view of a red truck on it.
KITT highlighted the image and brought
it to full view.
“We can’t see the license plate.”
Natalie said.
“Actually,” KITT said, “the camera recording this image was zoomed
in. I can zoom the image out and bring
it into frame.”
The image zoomed out, just like KITT
said it would, and the license plate for the red truck could be seen.
“All right, great job, KITT.”
Natalie said. “I guess we run a search
on the number and see what we can come up with.”
At that moment, Maddock walked in
with a man behind him. “Hey guys, I ran
into this man as I was returning. I’d
like you to meet Thomas Maitland.
1200 Hrs
Bonnie brought Thomas a glass with
soda in it and sat down facing him.
“Thomas,” Maddock said, “I was
very interested in what you told me, and I want you to repeat that to our
agents who are handling the case.”
“You guys are handling it
already?” Thomas asked.
“Yes.” Natalie answered. “I guess we should start at the
beginning. We talked to your nosy
neighbor, Mariel Thompson. She pretty
much saw everything. She saw your house
burn down, the firemen rescue the son no one knew you had, and then you and
your wife show up at the crime scene, and then book it out of there. So, Thomas, why are you here?”
“Because I don’t have any
involvement. My wife is the one who is
behind it all. The meth lab in the
house, our child being neglected, and then us running from the investigation.”
“Mariel did say she witnessed
Jessie Maitland as the gunman.” Kevin said, not realizing his gender slip.
“Why did you abduct your son from
the hospital? Natalie asked.
“Noah, that’s our son’s name,
wears these boots that have hollowed out heels-” he paused when he noticed
Natalie rolling her eyes. “Jessie has
him wear boots with hollowed out heels which she stores the drugs in. No one searches a little boy for drugs,
especially when they are hidden in his boots.
“She wanted to go to the hospital
to get the boots. I told her that we
should take Noah too, so we could just get out of here.”
“Go on.” Bonnie said, when she
noticed Thomas getting choked up.
“We made it out of the city, when
I told Jessie that I was taking Noah and getting away from her. That’s when she made me leave the truck at
gunpoint. She took off with Noah and I
haven’t seen them since.” Thomas finished.
“Don’t worry Thomas, we’ll find
your boy.” Natalie said, nodding for Maddock to have Thomas escorted out.
“Where can we reach you Mr.
Maitland?” Maddock asked.
“I’m staying at the Red Lion, room
225.” Thomas said, walking out the door.
Natalie shook her head after
Thomas left. “I don’t buy it.”
“Me neither.” Bonnie said. “What about you, KITT?”
“Interesting… my voice analyzer
results have come up inconclusive.” KITT
said.
“That’s strange.” Kevin said. “Now we’re left on our gut instincts.”
“Yeah, and my gut is telling me
that this guy is full of shit.” Natalie said.
“His story just doesn’t add
up. I mean it’s not every day you hear
about the man being victimized.” Bonnie said.
“One thing I want to know… if he
is lying, why did he come to us?” Natalie asked.
“That’s a good question.” Kevin
said.
“Yeah, well the better question
is,” Natalie said, “how did he know we would be handling the case?”
“Who knows what kind of leaks we
still have going for us,” Maddock said, “We’re still recovering from the Outfit
infiltration last July.”
“That makes me feel better.”
Natalie said.
“Let’s focus here,” Maddock
started, “I think we should play along with this guy until we can nail him on
our own. He may be here to throw off our
investigation, but we know now not to trust him. Act like you trust him and believe him, and he will slip up
sooner or later.”
December 21, 2001
0818 Hrs
Thomas Maitland was escorted into
the main offices for the Foundation by a security guard.
“Good morning, Thomas.” Natalie
said, meeting him at the bottom of the stairs.
“What is going to happen today?”
Thomas asked. “Are you going after my
son?”
“Well, we have your wife and son
pinpointed down to a sixty square mile radius.
We’re working on slimming that down in order to find out exactly where
they are.” She explained as they walked.
She lied in her explanation, as KITT had already started tracking Jessie
Maitland two hours prior.
“And then what is going to happen
with me and Noah?”
“You’ll be taken into protective
custody, and then called to testify against your wife when we catch her.”
Natalie said. “Right now, we’re going
to have you answer some questions with some of our crime researchers and we’ll
get back with you.” Natalie said, showing Thomas into a room.
Natalie walked into another room
where she could see the activity in the interrogation room via a two-way
mirror. “All right guys, how are the
modifications coming to KITT’s scanners?”
“We’re finished.” Bonnie said through Natalie’s comm-link.
“Good.” Natalie said.
She watched as the investigators
asked Thomas various questions concerning his life at home and the kidnapping
case.
It was about 90 minutes later when
the interrogation was over. The
investigators thanked Thomas and let him go.
Natalie walked down to the garage
where KITT was processing the results.
“Well?” she asked.
“My voice analyzer indicates
stress in the man’s voice on 90 percent of the questions.” KITT reported.
“I’ll be damned.” Bonnie said.
“He’s trying to place all the
blame on his wife.” Natalie said.
“What?” Kevin asked, confused.
“Thomas is throwing a curve ball
to us so we will focus our investigation on his wife, which would give him the
chance to just quietly disappear.”
“What a coward.” KITT said.
“Damn right.” Natalie said. “I think it’s time we end this charade and
we get the kid back and bust both parents.
Let’s go.”
1139 Hrs
30 Miles Outside of Seattle,
Washington
KITT was leading five police
cruisers and two unmarked cars down the highway towards a cheap motel on the
outskirts of the city.
Thomas Maitland was in one of the
unmarked cars, unknown of the fate that he will soon share with his wife.
The motorcade of cops pulled up to
the hotel and they immediately took up position around the red truck and the
room it was parked in front of.
“Jessie Maitland, this is
Special Agent Natalie Markins of the Foundation for Law and Government. Come out with your hands in the air.” Natalie yelled into KITT’s microphone.
Guests in the hotel, who were
evacuated, anxiously watched from the other side of the police tape. There was silence coming from room 112.
The SWAT team forces present at
the scene put on their gear and blasted into the room. It was no time before they dragged Jessie
out of the room kicking and screaming.
They slammed her down to the
ground and cuffed her, and worked against her as she tried to resist arrest.
A cop rushed into the room and
returned outside with Noah in his arms.
The growing audience applauded, however, oblivious to the entire
situation.
Thomas got out of the car and
began to run over to Noah, but was stopped by for policemen.
“Not so fast.” Natalie said,
walking up to him.
“What the hell are you talking about? Let me go to my son!” Thomas yelled.
“I don’t think so.” Natalie
said. “See, we know that you lied to us
about your wife taking Noah against your will and everything. You tried to point us to your wife, make her
take the fall, so we would bust her, and you could just disappear.”
“You bastard!” Jessie yelled,
still struggling with the arresting officer.
“How could you do this to me?
How could you run out like that!
I hate you!” she yelled as she was thrown into the police car.
“You can’t take our son away.”
Thomas said, turning back towards Natalie.
“What do you care?” Natalie
asked. “You brought him into this world
and ignored him, but you took him from the hospital. We can take your son away, and that’s exactly what we’re
doing. And you’re going to jail you
lying son-of-a-bitch.”
The cops took Thomas away and
placed him in a separate car from his wife.
The cruisers pulled out of the scene leaving a son without parents and
home.
December 23, 2001
1028 Hrs
Natalie was on the phone in Maddock’s
office as Maddock, Kevin, and Bonnie watched.
“Hi, I’m trying to get in touch
with social services.” Natalie said.
“Social services…. That’s right.
I called before…. I’m Agent Natalie Markins from the Foundation for Law and
Government… Right… Natalie Markins… Yes.”
“Having a hell of a time aren’t
you?” Maddock said.
“Yeah. I’m on hold- again.” Natalie said.
“Why are you trying to get in
touch with them?” Bonnie asked.
“To figure out what they are going
to do with the kid.”
“Probably put him up in a
permanent foster home or something.” Maddock said.
“I know,” Natalie said, “that’s
where he’s living now, and it’s probably nothing different from what he lived
in for seven years.”
“What do you think we can do?”
Bonnie asked.
“I have no idea. Maybe pull some strings somewhere and find
relatives- anywhere.”
“I’ll have KITT search records and
everything he can to see if he has any relatives that give a damn.” Kevin said,
leaving the room.
Natalie was about to say something
when she was finally taken off of hold.
“Oh! Hello. I’m Agent Natalie Markins from the
Foundation for Law and Government and I was calling to inquire about Noah
Maitland. He is the boy who was removed
from his parents who are being prosecuted on drug charges… Yes… I am wondering
what social services plans to do with the boy?” Natalie paused and listened as the person on the other end
explained everything.
“All right,” Natalie said, in
response, “thanks for your time.”
“What do they plan to do?” Bonnie
asked.
“They’re going to place him in a
foster home unless a relative is located.
And even then the relative must be deemed competent and able to raise a
child. Not to mention willing as well.”
Natalie explained.
“I can’t believe this can happen
so close to Christmas.”
“Me neither.” Natalie replied.
1238 Hrs
KITT pulled up in front of a
medium size home in one of the Seattle suburbs. Natalie got out and walked up the steps to the porch.
Before she could even knock, the door
opened and a middle-aged woman greeted her with a smile. “Hello.” The woman said.
“Good afternoon,” Natalie said,
“I’m Natalie Markins from the Knight Foundation. I’m here to see Noah Maitland.”
“Oh,” the woman said, smiling,
“come on in. There’s a lot I must tell
you about Noah. He doesn’t talk too
much, and he is afraid of the dark.
I’ve never seen a boy take to water as much as Noah has. His sense of smell seems to be impaired just
a little. Probably because of the
environment he was subjected to.”
“You know about the conditions he
lived in?” Natalie asked.
The woman nodded. “Yes.
Very sad. It was a good thing
you caught those parents. Who knows
what more damage they could have done.
I’ll get him and leave you two alone for awhile.”
In a few minutes, the woman
returned with Noah, who looked much cleaner than the last time Natalie saw
him. The boy was following the woman,
but was looking down at the ground. The
woman left, and Natalie watched Noah’s eyes follow the woman out of the room.
Natalie got down on his level and
smiled. “Noah?”
Noah kept staring at the ground
and shuffling his feet.
“Noah, it’s all right. I’m one of the good guys. Your mommy and daddy won’t be able to hurt
or ignore you anymore.”
“I don’t like it here.” Noah said,
quietly.
“I know you don’t, Noah.” Natalie
said in an understanding tone. “I’m
sure I wouldn’t either. Listen, I got
friends who are trying to find relatives of yours who would love to take you
in. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
“I don’t have any.”
“Any relatives?” Natalie asked.
Noah nodded. “Mommy and Daddy kept me inside all
day. Those are the only two I know.”
“Well, we know that you don’t like
it here, and I promise that we will find someone for you for Christmas.”
“For what?” Noah asked.
Natalie was taken aback. “Christmas.
Take a look around. You see all
those decorations and pretty things?”
Noah nodded again.
“Well those are to celebrate
Christmas. It is a holiday that most
people in the world celebrate.”
“Why do the celebrate it?” Noah
asked.
Natalie looked at Noah for a
little bit, and began explaining everything behind Christmas.
1929 Hrs
“I’m telling you guys, it was
terrible.” Natalie said. “I had to explain to this kid about Christmas and the
meaning behind it and… and everything.
Thomas and Jessie Maitland need to be shot.”
“I can’t believe that two people who bring a child into this world
could treat it like they did.” Bonnie said.
“It’s sickening, honestly.”
Natalie said. “I’m serious, that foster
home is absolutely no place for him.
It’s going to do more harm than good.”
“So what do you think we will be
able to do for him?” Bonnie asked.
“I wish I knew.” Natalie
said. “But to be honest, I am all out
of options.”
“KITT, what have you found in your
search?” Maddock asked.
“Some things which I believe will
interest you immensely.” KITT said.
“Really?” Kevin asked. “We haven’t turned up anything.”
“Actually, what I have found was a
hunch I took.”
“You took a hunch?” Bonnie asked,
surprised.
“Yes,” KITT replied, “I figured
that I should follow my own suspicions.”
“And what did your suspicions lead
you to?” Maddock asked.
“You haven’t noticed the
connection yet, have you?” KITT asked.
“What are you talking about?”
Kevin said.
A picture of Charley and Noah
appeared on the screen. “My hunch that
I took shows that there is a definite resemblance there.” KITT said.
“What?” Natalie asked, looking
closer at the screen.
Bonnie looked at the images
too. “I can’t see much of one.” Bonnie
said.
“Let me do some fine tuning on
Charley.” KITT said. KITT processed
Charley’s picture through computer age reduction until a young man in his late
teens appeared. The man did indeed bear
a striking resemblance to Noah Maitland.
“Holy shit.” Maddock said,
quietly.
“Kevin, didn’t you say that
Charley served?” Bonnie asked.
“Yeah, in Nam, I think.” Kevin
said.
“KITT, run this picture through
Veteran databases and show us any matches.”
Numerous pictures flashed across the
screen until it finally stopped on an old military archive.
“Oh my God.” Natalie said.
“You’ve gotta be kidding me.”
The four humans looked at the
record on the screen. They were looking
at a picture of Captain Charles A. Maitland of the United States Army.
December 24, 2001
1028 Hrs
Maddock, Bonnie, Natalie, and
Kevin were all piled into KITT and driving the Seattle streets, frantically
looking for Charley.
“Where the hell is he?” Natalie
asked, looking out the driver’s side window.
“Wouldn’t he be at the shelter?”
Bonnie asked.
“No,” Kevin said, “he likes to
take a walk on the morning of Christmas Eve.”
“Yeah, and he is usually around
this area.” Maddock said.
“I am detecting Charley two miles
ahead.” KITT said.
“Step on it.” Natalie ordered.
KITT made it to Charley’s location
in no time.
Charley was walking down the
sidewalk with a cup of coffee he bought from Starbucks. In the distance, he saw what he thought was
KITT. It was only a few seconds later
before his eyes told the truth.
KITT screeched to a halt next to
him and everyone got out.
“Hello Captain.” Kevin said.
Charley stopped in his
tracks. “I can’t believe you guys
figured out my past.”
“You did a good job hiding
it. We aren’t here to accuse you of
doing something wrong,” Maddock said, “We’re here because you are involved in
the case we are working on.”
“What?” Charley asked, confused.
“Charles A. Maitland,” Natalie
said, “father of Thomas Maitland, grandfather of Noah Maitland.”
“I’m still a little confused. Mariel sure didn’t tell me much when I
brought her to you.”
“Charley, the case we were working
on was an abduction case. Your son and
his wife neglected their boy, Noah, your grandson,” Natalie explained, “they
took him from the hospital.”
“Thomas came to us a day later,
saying that Jessie, his wife, was the conspirator, and took their boy against
his will. Forced him to participate in
the massive drug operation right out of their house.” Bonnie added.
“We later found out that Thomas
came to us in order to put the blame on Jessie so he could just gently
disappear.” Maddock said.
“We’re here because we’re running
out of time. Social services are going
to put the boy in a foster home on the 27th unless we find a living
family member and demonstrate he is competent and fit for child care.” Natalie
said.
“Will you help us?” Kevin asked.
Charley stood there for a while
before speaking. “You know when Thomas
left against my wishes when he was younger, when I still had a place to live, I
never heard from him again. I didn’t
even know I had a grandson. How is the
boy?”
“Healthy, very healthy,” Natalie
said, “he’s seven years old.”
“And bears a striking resemblance
to a war hero from the 70’s.” Kevin said.
“We did more research, Charley,”
Maddock said, “and we found out that the Department of the Army owes you
back-pay in benefits.”
Charley held on to his cane
tight. “I can’t believe this,” he said,
“this is one of the best holidays I have ever had in my life.”
“We can set you up so you can get
on your feet, and kick the army in the ass so they can get your benefits to
you.” Bonnie said.
“You guys would do all that for
me?” Charley asked.
“Of course we would,” Kevin said,
“you’re a part of the FLAG family. We
always help each other.”
Charley smiled and nodded, unable
to find the words that would express his gratitude.
“All right,” Maddock said,
clapping his hands, “let’s get to work.
Charley, get in and let’s go. We
don’t have much time until the state offices close, so let’s haul ass!”
1319 Hrs
The state offices would be closing
in 30 minutes, releasing thousands of workers to go home for the holidays.
Jillian Barcus was released early
from her office in the social services department and was walking to her car,
ready to go home and spend time with a family of her own.
She looked up as she heard
screeching in the parking garage. A
sleek red car with chasing lights in the front pulled up.
“Ms. Barcus,” Natalie said,
getting out, “I’m Natalie Markins from FLAG, we spoke on the phone.”
“Oh, Agent Markins. You caught me on my way home.” Jillian said.
“I know, and I apologize, but
we’ve located the next of kin for Noah Maitland.” Natalie explained.
Jillian stopped. “You’ve what?”
A white Chevy S-10 pickup turned the
corner and stopped next to KITT. Kevin,
who was behind the wheel, got out and walked over to them. He opened the passenger side door and let
out Charley, who was completely transformed.
Charley was dressed in a nice
suit; his salt and pepper hair was nicely trimmed in a military regulation
cut. His face was clean-shaven, and he
was grasping a brand new cane.
“This is Charles Maitland, United
States Army, Captain, retired.” Natalie introduced.
“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.”
Charley said, shaking Jillian’s hand.
Jillian could not hold her
impression in and smiled at Charley.
She looked at her watch. “Well
Captain Maitland. I would be interested
in talking to you.”
Charley smiled. “Lead the way, ma’am.” He said, gesturing.
Jillian turned around and walked
back towards the main building, with Charley following. He turned around and gave the team a thumbs
up and mouthed ‘thank you’ before disappearing in the corridor.
1528 Hrs
Knight Foundation
Natalie, Bonnie, and Kevin were
sitting in Maddock’s office, all staring at the telephone.
When it rang after what seemed
like an eternity, Maddock reached over and picked it up. “Russell Maddock here.” He said. “Hi Charley… sure. Let me put you on speaker, all right?” Maddock pressed the speakerphone button and hung up the receiver.
“Hello everyone.” Charley said.
“Charley,” Kevin said, “where are
you?”
“On a payphone outside of the
city offices. Listen, I just wanna tell
you that the interview with Jillian went extremely well, and the state will be
turning custody of Noah over to me.”
Everyone in the office began
cheering.
“That’s great news to hear!”
Bonnie said.
“Excellent, you did it!” Natalie
said.
“Good deal, Charley. We’re glad we helped you.” Maddock said.
“So am I. I couldn’t have done any of it without you.”
“We’ll keep in touch,” Maddock
said. “Merry Christmas.”
The rest of the team joined in
wishing happy holidays to the new grandfather.
Maddock looked behind him out of
the massive window overlooking the Knight Foundation headquarters. The offices were dark, everyone had gone
home.
Security cameras revealed that
other areas of the Knight Foundation campus were shut down and secured.
Maddock smiled at his team. “Get outta here. Have a great Christmas.” He said.
Everyone smiled back and wished
each other a Merry Christmas and left the office. Kevin quickly went his separate way towards the parking lot. However, Natalie followed Bonnie out to the garage.
“Bonnie.” Natalie said.
Bonnie turned around. “Yes?”
Natalie paused for a second before
she found her words. “Listen, I am
never good at things like these… but I’m sorry for acting like a bitch
sometimes. I’ve never been used to working
in a team, even in the Bureau. I guess
sometimes I’m not much of a team player, which is something I will definitely
work on.”
Bonnie smiled. “Natalie.
I am at fault too. I never gave
you a real chance and proving yourself to be a competent driver for KITT. You came to us just as we lost Shawn, and we
never had a transition time to get ready.
I’m always over protective of KITT, and picky too.”
“Friends?” Natalie asked.
“Better,” Bonnie said, “partners.”
The two women smiled, and then
went their separate ways.
1908 Hrs
Natalie sat down in front of the
TV, watching what seemed to be the only thing on worth watching, ‘It’s A
Wonderful Life.’
She poured some Schnapps into a
glass with crushed ice, and mixed it with soda. She took a sip, and poured some more.
Looking across the room, she saw a
picture of her now deceased best friend, Julie, from the Academy. This was the seventh Christmas she had spent
without Julie, and it hadn’t changed one bit.
She was sad and alone… and wondered if KITT, who was secured at Knight
Industries, would be able to lend an ear to listen to her problems again.
***
Kevin Williams sat across from his
nephews and nieces and smiled at his parents and siblings as they all ate
dinner together. Things were different
this year, however. It just wasn’t the
same as other years. His family was
more bonded together since September 11th. He loved spending time with them, but he wondered about his
second family, those he works with at the Knight Foundation.
He got up from the table and
grabbed his coat.
“Kevin, where are you going?” his
mother asked.
“I have to go out for a drive,
Mom.” He said, leaving the house, not letting anyone ask if he was all right.
***
Russell Maddock sat staring at his
computer, reading the updated list of casualties from the World Trade
Center. Hundreds of people were still
unaccounted for, and he hasn’t found the name he was looking for yet.
His desktop was scattered with
newspapers and listings showing casualty lists and the declining numbers of
missing people from the WTC. He tracked
the lists ever since the attacks, searching for someone who meant something in
his life.
The person was his reason for
still having a soft spot that wasn’t hardened by serving as a District
Attorney. Now, with this person
missing, he doesn’t know what is left anymore.
He turned his computer off, not
bothering to properly shut it down from Windows, and grabbed his jacket, hoping
that maybe a quiet drive would help clear his mind.
***
Bonnie Barstow finished her phone
call to her parents back home in Boston.
She walked into her kitchen and started cooking her Christmas Eve
dinner. Her cooking was interrupted
when there was a knock on her door.
She would have never guessed who
would be on the other side…
Bonnie opened up the door to
Michael Knight.
“Michael!” Bonnie said,
immediately giving him a hug.
Michael hugged back and presented
Bonnie with flowers. “Merry Christmas,
Bonnie.” He said.
“I can’t believe you’re here! What brings you from your isolated cabin?”
Bonnie asked, still excited.
Michael sat down on the sofa,
giving the usual comfort groan he utters when he sits. “I decided that this year I shouldn’t be
away from the only family I have.”
Bonnie sat down next to Michael
and gave him a hug again. “I’m glad you
came.” She said. “Will you stay for
dinner?”
“Of course,” Michael said, with a
smile that lit up Bonnie’s face. “How
are you holding up?” he asked.
“I’m doing good,” she said. “It’s very hard, but I’m there.”
“How’s Shawn doing?” Michael
asked.
Bonnie looked down.
“What’s wrong?”
“While she was on a case, Shawn
was kidnapped and traumatized. She took
a leave of absence from FLAG.”
“Oh my God, why the hell didn’t I
know about this?” Michael asked, angry.
Bonnie looked back up at Michael
with glassy eyes. “It pays to pick up
the phone every now and then, doesn’t it, Michael?” she said, with tears
welling in her eyelids.
Michael pulled Bonnie close to him
and kissed her on the forehead. “Hey,
hey, hey.” He said. “It’s gonna be all
right.”
“All right?” Bonnie asked. “How can you say things are going to be all
right after you show up out of the blue after I haven’t heard from you in
ages!” she said, getting up and walking away, beginning to cry.
“I know I’ve done a terrible job
of keeping in touch,” Michael said, “but I’ve just been reflecting on my life.”
“You’ve been doing that for almost
twelve years now, Michael.” Bonnie said.
“When are you going to find what you are looking for?”
“I’m not looking for anything.”
Michael said, getting up and going to her.
“But the crime-fighting life of Michael Knight just isn’t me
anymore. I’m trying to figure out just
why the hell it isn’t.”
“You left when we needed you. Especially when I needed you the most.”
Bonnie said.
“I know I did,” Michael said, “and
I regret it. Damn it all, I regret it,
Bonnie. I regret leaving you, leaving
KITT, leaving everyone behind. There
was something out there for me, Bonnie.
I had to go. I had to go. But there is something here for me, now.” He
said.
“What?” Bonnie asked, turning
around.
“This.” Michael said. He gently pulled Bonnie close to him and bent down to bring their lips together. The two of them shared a kiss, but not a kiss between partners