The ride to the ranch was tense and silent. Karen wondered if she had made the right decision to keep information from Hansen. She also wondered if she should share what happened with the quiet man next to her.

Steve’s mind wandered from his resurfacing anger at Oscar for not telling him Stenning was free, putting him and Michael at risk to Hansen’s threat of sending him to prison without his arm or legs and his body physically shuddered with the image. He wasn’t surprised to be considered a suspect in Stenning’s death but he never anticipated he’d be their primary suspect. He couldn’t phantom what evidence Hansen had to give him that distinction. He began to consider retaining an attorney just in case this went further then he expected.

“Steve, are you okay?” She asked softly seeing the far away look in his eyes, hating to see him so distressed.

He gave her a half-hearted smile and nod. Pulling up to the house he turned the engine off and dropped his hand to his lap, not making any move to exit the car. After a deep inhale he sighed and looked at the pretty woman next to him. He knew he was in love with her again. There was no doubt in his mind. If he was going to go to prison was if fair to want her to marry him? If she did she would acquire everything that was his, the house in California, the condo in Washington, his car, his Air Force pension, everything. She would be set for life. Then again she would also be alone.

She saw the conflicting emotions in his eyes and face. Her heart ached for what his former colleagues were trying to do to him. Didn’t they understand he wasn’t capable of killing anyone? The young woman had considered coming out and just asking him point blank if he did kill Lyle Stenning but she knew Steve put trust above everything and asking that very question would wound him deeply.

What Karen wasn’t aware of was that Steve had killed in the past. Sometimes the situation demanded it in his profession, a secret profession she had no knowledge of. It was never easy for the covert operative to commit the act but he in fact had taken a life before but never in cold blood.

“Steve, what’s on your mind?” she asked simply.

He stared off into the distance through the windshield. “I was thinking I should call my lawyer. I don’t think I should underestimate Hansen and his intense desire to see me put away for a long time. He’s as tenacious as a bulldog.” The guilt that was sitting on Karen’s chest began to weigh quite heavily.

“Steve I need to tell you something.” She said tentatively.

“Shoot.” He looked into her emerald eyes and she immediately had to look down at her clasped hands on her lap.

“Hansen only asked me one question…and….and I wasn’t sure how to answer him.”

“I hope you just told him the truth. I don’t want you mixed up in this. Do you understand?”

She slowly lifted her face to his, the warm tears slowly slithering down her cheeks. She felt like she had failed him. “Karen what is it?”

“He asked me if I ever heard you threaten Lyle Stenning.” Her green eyes pooled with salty water waiting for the chance to fall free.

“And?” Steve pressed not quite remembering his past comment to her.

“I lied and told him no.” She saw the confusion in his face. “Don’t you remember near the corral when you said you didn’t know what to do with all the anger and that if you had the opportunity you’d kill Stenning with your bare hands?” She instantly covered her face with her hands as the sobs shook her shoulders. “Steve, I think he knew I was lying. Hansen’s going to make me testify to that under oath. What am I going to do?” She cried, her hands muffling the words.

Steve heart sank that he was causing her this pain. He reached over and took her in his arms trying his best to reassure her that everything was going to be alright. She slowly calmed herself as he spoke, “Karen, everything’s going to be alright. I promise. Okay?” He looked into her eyes and she gave him a small smile.

“Steve I promise to stand by you through all of this no matter what the outcome you know that don’t you?”

“Yes, I know that. I’m just sorry you got involved.” He hugged her tight and sighed. “We’ll make it, don’t worry.”

The couple entered the house and grabbed a light bite to eat, both tired. After getting ready for bed they curled up together on Steve’s bed and quickly fell asleep. There was no telling what tomorrow would bring.

Hansen drove back into Ojai and headed directly for Ed Collins house. The older man was a former World War II veteran who ambled to the door with a limp. After identifying himself the government agent inquired about the twin-engine Bonanza that was previously owned by Austin Air Charter.

Ed, unsure why the questions were being asked or what information he could provide the inquisitive man, shared what knowledge he had. The NSB agent felt his blood pressure rise after hearing that it was Mr. Collins idea to sell off the plane in pieces and not Steve’s. He was an old family friends of the Elgin’s and knew Austin since he was a child. It was obvious that the old man was very fond of the former astronaut, which grated on Hansen even more.

“Well actually I approached Steve two weeks ago with the idea.”

“Did Steve know this auction would take place two days ago?”

“Sure.”

“Mr. Collins you didn’t happen to notice what the Hobbs meter read before you sold it did you?”

“No. I was in kind of a hurry. I didn’t have too much time to dawdle while cannibalizing the plane and packaging it for my trip.”

“Why wasn’t there enough time?”

“Well, I got up early in the morning and headed over to the airfield to start the job. It was supposed to be left out on the ramp…you know tied down. When I got there it wasn’t. I was surprised and assumed it was in the hanger but only Steve had the keys so I had to run over to his place to pick them.”

“Did Steve say why the plane was moved?”

“No. He just apologized saying he forgot to leave it out and tossed me the keys. I told him I’d be in touch and he wished me good luck at the auction.”

As Hansen left the older man he added more circumstantial evidence to his guilty list, even though it wasn’t Steve’s idea to sell off the parts. He jumped into his car and headed to Jack’s bar. He was curious to see if that part of Steve’s alibi would hold up under scrutiny.

“Oh yes Steve came in that night about 6, 6:30.” Michelle explained as she wiped off the table.

“So you did talk to him?”

She stood and thought a moment. With so many regular customers coming and going almost nightly it was hard to tell one night from the next. “Well actually he didn’t seem in the mood to talk. He must have had a lot on his mind that night.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Well he wasn’t acting like himself. He usually chats a little but that night I just asked if he wanted his usual and he nodded.”

“Was there anything else different about him that night?” Hansen had an idea floating in the back of his head ever since Steve told him he had an alibi the night Stenning was killed… a body double. It was a common tactic in covert operations. Take someone who looks a lot like your subject so the agent can be in 2 places at once. He had a feeling Harry Donner may have already had that in the plan from the beginning, the same plan that he passed on in those audio tapes.

“Yeah, he was wearing a baseball hat with Austin Air Charters on it. He never wore a hat in here before.”

“Did you get a look at his face? Could you say it was him without a doubt?”

“Mr. Hansen we were really busy that night. I saw the hat and he was the same build, height and hair color. He even had the same mannerisms and sat in his usual corner back there.” She pointed to the fartherest corner from the door. “He acted the same way he always does he just wasn’t interested in talking that’s all.”

“Do you know if he talked to anyone else?”

“Sorry. Like I said we were busy.”

“Did you notice what time he left?”

“Probably about 2 a.m. with all the other customers.”

“Thanks for your help.”

“You’re welcome. I hope I helped.”

“Oh you did, believe me you did.” He replied with an arrogant smile and left the bar.

Hansen was disappointed when he was notified of the scheduled Judicial Hearing. Due to conflicting schedules of the five members of the panel it was planned to take place in four days not two as Hansen had requested. He felt he could do no more then he had already and caught a flight back to Washington D.C.

Oscar and Rudy drove back to Steve’s residence to inform him of the hearing before they would board their flight to the east. Oscar wanted one last chance to speak with Steve on the weight of the evidence.

The two men in dark suits came upon Steve near the barn as they exited their vehicle. His back was to them and his shirtless form was bent forward at the waist as he used the water from a nearby garden hose to soak his upper torso down. It was a scorching day to say the least. He flipped his water soaked head up at the sound of approaching footsteps.

“What brings you two out here?” He said without preamble, the water beading on his tanned face.

“Steve we need to talk.”

“Okay, talk.” Oscar let out a sigh and slid both hands into his pants pockets. “Can we go inside?” He glanced around knowing Hansen had men watching.

Steve leaned down to grab his shirt from the ground. “Sure.” He said quietly. The three headed to the house and were met by Karen. She greeted the visitors as she handed Steve a towel to dry off.

After taking a moment to don a clean t-shirt Steve joined his former colleagues in the living room. “Okay, what’s so important you two had to drive all the way out here?”

“Steve, Hansen has convened a Judicial Panel to hear the results of his investigation.” Steve just nodded as Oscar went on. “It’s to take place in Washington, three days from today. You are required to be there.”

“Why, so Hansen can string me up?” He stared at his friends and corrected, “Or should I say cut me up?”

Both men swallowed hard. Oscar felt the heavy weight pushing against his already slumped shoulders. “Steve, I wish I could help but I’m afraid this is out of my hands.”

“Oscar I told you I am not your operative anymore. I’m not your responsibility.”

Rudy couldn’t believe the calm his friend exuded, “Steve you seem to be taking this a little too lightly.”

“I’m not taking this lightly. I spent half the day yesterday with my lawyer. I’ll spend the next two days with him. As far as I can see Hansen has no solid evidence against me.”

Oscar knew he shouldn’t get in the middle but he had to forewarn his friend. “Steve he does have some.” The director didn’t know how Steve could refute the crushed vertebrae in Stenning’s neck.

“Like what?”

“I can’t tell you specifics.” He watched as a small grin crossed Steve’s face. Oscar was hoping to relate the seriousness of the situation. “Steve, he also hopes to have Karen testify against you. It could be damaging testimony.”

“Oscar you worry too much. I have great confidence that Hansen’s case will not hold water.”

“And if it does and they find you guilty?”

Steve sobered as he thought for a moment. His voice was soft and low, “I won’t go without a fight.” The brown-haired man stood up and ambled to the bar at the corner of the room. “Would you like a drink?” The two guests declined while Steve poured one for himself.

Oscar walked over to him, his voice almost pleading. “Steve…. Steve I have to know, just between us.” Steve stared at his former boss with a raised brow, his anger growing by the second. He broke eye contact while tossing back his drink. After slamming the glass back on the bar he glared at the taller man.

He maintained a voice that was low and controlled. “It doesn’t matter. Everyone has their own opinion of whether I did it or not. My god Oscar you’ve known me for how long…You know how much I hate taking a human life…. and you have the nerve to ask me that question?!” He glanced at Rudy then back at Oscar seeing the doubt in both their faces, his chest to tighten.

After a deep breath he finished, “What do you want me to say? That I did it? That I paid someone to do it? Will that solve the mystery for you?” He glanced at Rudy who stood to take his place next to Oscar. Steve let a small smile hang on his lips. “I’ll tell you this I’m not sorry he’s dead and if I had killed him I certainly wouldn’t have lost a single minute of sleep over it. That I’m sure of.” Steve moved around the pair but before leaving the room he turned. “I guess I’ll see you two in Washington.”

With deep lines of concern on their faces and their stomachs heavy with worry the two men began their trip back to the capital.

With all the tedious preparation to do the next two days passed quickly. Karen and Steve checked into a plush Washington hotel the night before the hearing. The retired operative nervously joked that if it was going to be his last night of freedom he wanted to spend it in a lavish hotel with an incredibly beautiful woman. Karen retorted with a chuckle, “Who would you like me to call?”

It was midnight and even after the passionate expression of their love provided an intense physical release Steve could not relax. He paced the dimly lit sitting room of their suite clad only in the unbuttoned jeans he had pulled on. Karen rolled on her side, instantly sensing he was gone. After pulling on her thin robe she met him in the adjacent room.

He was startled to see her when he turned to retrace his nervous steps. She immediately saw his face lacking color and knew there was something he wasn’t telling her.

“Steve, are you alright?” He voice was soft and concerned.

Nodding, he silently dropped himself into the over-stuffed chair in front of the empty fireplace. The young woman’s delicate hand fell upon his tense shoulder. “Please tell me what’s wrong.”

In the quietness of the room she heard his long forced exhale as he reached up to pull her onto his lap. He knew she deserved to know the possible consequences.

In a low and monotone voice Steve relayed the facts of his life during their long separation. She allowed him to speak without interruption, trying not to let her sadness show on her face. He spoke in a detached manner as if the horrible experience of the plane crash and bionic reconstruction happened to someone else.

When he quieted she lovingly touched his cheek, her other arm around his neck, and verbally assured him his past did not change her feelings towards him. He gave her a small crooked grin before staring off into the distance and in a tight voice choked with emotion he explained Hansen’s plan for him should he be found guilty.

Karen was dumbstruck. Would Hansen send Steve to prison virtually defenseless? Did the Deputy Director of the NSB have that much single-handed authority? The panicked state Steve presented was now making sense.

The tall slender woman slid off his comfortable lap and moved behind him. He let out a soft moan as her strong fingers kneaded the tight muscles in his broad shoulders and neck. It took some time and effort but he finally began to relax a bit. Grasping his hand she made a suggestion, “Come on. Let’s go back to bed. We both need to get some sleep.” He stood without answering and allowed her to lead him. The couple curled up together on the large bed. The anxious man rested his head on her chest, her heartbeat soothing him. She sighed and tenderly ran her hand through his hair over and over until he fell asleep.

For a long while she stared at the ceiling, letting a few tears leave her green eyes and silently roll down her cheeks, feeling a strong need to protect the man she loved.

The small official looking room held an abundance of wood, wood flooring, wooden furniture and even some wood paneling on the walls. The lighting in the space was relatively dim except for over the raised stage where the five-member panel would hear the evidence and the place where the selected people would give their testimony.

The proceeding would be similar to a criminal court except opening arguments and closing statements would not take place. Each witness who would be called could be cross-examined at length and any member of the judicial board could also ask questions of the witnesses at their discretion. It would then be the panel’s decision in the end as to the defendant’s guilt or innocence. This type of hearing was few and far between, only being called when it was suspected that a high level covert operative became a rogue and took matters into his own hands without direct authority or knowledge of his superiors. These issues could not be brought before the public due to the top secret nature of the information they might disclose.

The members chosen for this panel were veteran government officials. One was pulled from the Office of Scientific Intelligence and another from the National Security Bureau. The three remaining members were selected from the Central Intelligence Agency. All five had high security clearances and spent many years on the front lines of national security. All five also had some knowledge, one way or another, of who Steve Austin was.

Rudy and Oscar took their seats off to the side, two rows behind where Steve would be sitting with his attorney. They wanted to be able to see more of him then just the back of his head. Both men were tense, unsure of what would come of this hearing that could ultimately destroy their friend’s life.

A door in the back opened. Oscar and Rudy turned their heads in unison to watch Steve enter with Karen on his arm, his lawyer leading the way to the front. The US Air Force officer walked tall wearing his Air Force dress blues.

Coming to his seat Steve did nothing more then glance in the direction of his friends before unbuttoning the last button on his coat and taking his seat. Karen gracefully took her seat just behind Steve. It was as close as she could be to him.

The two OSI men saw the pallor of Steve’s face and the dark circles under his eyes. It had obviously been a sleepless night for him too.

Hansen took his seat across the aisle with his assistant, a small smile ever present on his face as he removed the files from his brief case.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I think it’s time to bring these proceedings to order. I am Michael Dupree, Assistant Director of the CIA. To my left are Agents Dugan of the NSB and Willard of the CIA. To my right are Agents Collier of the OSI and Kepler of the CIA. As most of you know there will be no opening arguments so we will begin with the charges.”

Steve, with his Attorney, Colonel Brad Taylor, USAF, stood to hear the offenses of which he was being accused.

”Colonel Austin, you are being accused of dereliction of duty and over stepping the bounds of an OSI agent in the death of Lyle Stenning.”

Taylor, a man Steve had known for many years and respected highly, interrupted. “Mr. Dupree, Colonel Austin was not an agent for the OSI or any government agency at the time of Lyle Stenning’s death. Therefore those charges do not apply in this case. You will find a copy of his official resignation letter in the file in front of you.” Each member of the panel looked down at the files each had before them.

Dupree retorted, “I see. Well then I guess the charges would be Murder and possibly Behavior Unbecoming an Officer of the USAF.” Steve whole body stiffened at the words. “Under normal circumstances this panel would transfer this case to the State’s Criminal Court System seeing as how Colonel Austin was not employed by the Federal Government at the time of the incident. However this is a very unusual situation with regard to how the victim was killed. Therefore we shall hear this case in full.” The authoritative man shuffled a few papers in front of him and finished, “Colonel Austin would you like to add anything before we begin the questioning?”

Steve swallowed hard and quietly cleared his throat before answering assertively, “No Sir.”

“Okay then, let’s begin.” Steve and his lawyer took their seats as Hansen stood. “Mr. Hansen please call your first witness.”

“I would like to call Mr. Oscar Goldman, Director of the OSI, to the stand.”

The tall dark-haired man stood and made his way to the stand in a few long strides. After raising his right hand and swearing he would tell the truth he sat stiffly in the wooden seat.

“Mr. Goldman, how long have you known Colonel Austin?”

“Since 1971.”

“And how did you come to know him?”

Oscar briefly highlighted the situation that brought him and Steve together.

“So he worked for you as a covert agent during his years with the OSI?”

“Yes.”

“Tell me what you know about Lyle Stenning.”

Oscar related the OSI three-month investigation into Stenning’s illegal organization that involved covert terroristic activities both in the US and abroad. Hansen occasionally jumped in to clarify information.

“So Austin was the agent you sent in to bring down Stenning’s organization known as ‘Fortress’?”

“That’s correct.”

“At any time was he ordered to terminate Mr. Stenning?”

“No.”

“I see. Was he successful in carrying out his mission?”

“Yes.”

“Did you witness Mr. Stenning’s response when he was captured?”

Oscar’s brown eyes fell upon his friend in uniform. “I heard Lyle Stenning threatened Colonel Austin’s life when he was being taken into custody.”

“Did you or Austin take the threat seriously?”

“I did. I cannot speak for Steve.”

“You wrote a report almost two months ago describing a car bombing incident that injured Colonel Austin and killed his 21-year-old son Michael. Is this it?”

Oscar took the paper and scanned it. “Yes.”

“Gentlemen,” Hansen looked at the panel, “You will find in your file a copy of this report for further review. Now, Mr. Goldman, who did you find out was responsible for that bombing?”

...Continued