"Friendly Betrayal"

Written by Phil Turner

PROLOGUE

Fugitive Task Force Office - Chicago, Illinois - Mid-Morning

Captain Philip Gerard is sitting at his desk on the telephone while Special Agent Eve Hilliard is seen at her desk typing on her computer. Gerard finishes his phone call and hangs up.

“You’ve been typing on that laptop for quite a while Eve,” Gerard says. “Something good I hope.”

“No, just doing some early Christmas shopping,” Hilliard says as she looks up from her computer screen. “I’m trying to get some ideas, you know, for the family. I don’t have much time these days, with all of our weekend meetings and late nights, so I have to do my shopping whenever I get the chance.”

Just then, Gerard’s desk telephone rings again. He picks it up.

“Fugitive Task Force … Captain Gerard,” he says.

“I believe its time you and I had a heart-to heart-discussion,” the man says.

“Well, Matthew Ross,” Gerard says loudly. “I was wondering when I would hear your voice again. There have been some interesting developments that we need to discuss. I also have a few questions that need answers.”

“And I too have some questions for you Captain,” Ross says. “My family and I have suffered enough. This has gone on way too long, and I think its time we cleared the air about my former son-in-law.”

“Kimble’s giving both of us heartburn,” Gerard says. “But how do I know that I can trust you. Your previous statements have been, shall we say, less than truthful.”

“I admit that I have made mistakes,” Ross says. “But that’s in the past. My only mission now is to catch Kimble and bring him in.”

“Anytime … anyplace you want to meet … I’m ready,” Gerard says. “The sooner the better.”

“This afternoon,” Ross says. “I’ll have my driver pick you up at 1:00 o’clock sharp. Don’t be late. I’ve reserved lunch for two at Mario’s. Please, come alone Captain, because I want this to be a one-on-one discussion. We have a lot to talk about.”

“Okay,” Gerard says suspiciously, “I’ll expect your driver outside my office at 1:00 p.m. sharp. And I won’t be late.” Gerard hangs up the telephone. As Gerard leans back in his chair to reflect upon the exchange with Ross, Hilliard notices an unusual expression on his face.

“What’s wrong Cap?” Hilliard says.

“After three months of no contact, all of a sudden Matthew Ross wants to tell me everything he knows about Kimble.” Gerard shakes his head. “Something isn’t right. People like Matthew Ross just don’t talk openly up things like this. There must be something else.”

“Maybe Ross has finally had enough … and wants to end it,” Hilliard says.

“Perhaps, or maybe he has some other purpose,” Gerard responds. “Ross is having his driver pick me up at 1:00 p.m. for lunch. He wants it to be one-on-one. Eve, I want you to follow, but stay out of sight. If Ross is willing to talk, and if he does know something, I don’t want to spook him now.”

St. Cloud, Minnesota - Mid-Morning

Richard Kimble is sitting in a local park enjoying the sunny day. His appearance has changed slightly, as he has grown mustache and has let his hair grow slightly longer. As he sits on the bench, Kimble looks around and sees children playing, a couple walking their dog, two men fishing, and a park maintenance crew cutting the grass. Were it not for the overwhelming pain he feels about Helen’s death and his status as a fugitive, this would be a picture perfect day.

Kimble anxiously scans his surroundings awaiting his contact. He pulls a piece of paper from his pants pocket. On it is a message recently sent to him on the Dr-Richard-Kimble.com website by Dale Suwinski, a friend of Chuck Brixius. Kimble reads the message again.

“Dear Runningman. My name is Dale Suwinski. I am a good friend of Chuck Brixius and he and I have been working on trying to clear your name. I believe you are innocent and want to help. I have information that you might find useful. Please contact me at your earliest convenience so we can arrange a meeting. Always keeping the faith…Screecher.”

He looks up from the piece of paper and continues surveying his surroundings. Just then, he feels a slight tapping on his shoulder. Kimble turns around.

“Richard Kimble?” the man says.

“No, I’m sorry, you’ve got the wrong person,” Kimble says as he stands up and begins walking away.

“Doctor Kimble, I know it’s you and I want to help,” the man says. “I’m Dale Suwinski, the guy who wrote to you. Chuck and I want to help!” Kimble stops, turns around and stares at Dale. Cynicism and suspicion have become normal for him these days. Dale is a young man in his mid-20s with brown hair and glasses. He is wearing a red sweatshirt with the slogan “Freedom First” printed on it.

“You say you’re a friend of Chuck’s?” Kimble asks.

“Yah,” Suwinski says, “Chuck and I go back a few years. I was the one who encouraged him to start the website. When I asked him the best way to get in contact with you, he told me to leave a website posting for the Runningman.”

While the two continue talking, Kimble looks around anxiously.

“Why do you want to help me?” Kimble asks. “You know it’s a federal offense to help a wanted fugitive.”

“I want to help because I believe truth is more important than anything,” Suwinski says. “You have become a victim of a lie … a horrible lie…and the only way to fight a lie is with the truth.”

“And how do YOU propose finding the truth?” Kimble asks. “I’ve been trying for over a year and it has always managed to stay one step ahead.”

“Come with me Mr. Kimble,” Suwinski says. “I have come across information which will make you look at Helen’s death differently. We need to get out of here before someone spots us.”

Intrigued by Suwinski, Kimble agrees to accompany him. The two walk rapidly to Suwinski’s brown 1994 Chrysler Concorde, enter and drive away.

= = = = =

Suwinski Apartment Building - 30 minutes later

The car containing Dale Suwinski and Richard Kimble pulls up to a three-story apartment complex on the city’s north side. The two exit the vehicle, and Kimble follows Suwinski inside. As they walk, both glance around to see if they were followed.

Kimble follows Suwinski up a flight of stairs. Suwinski pulls out keys from his pocket and opens the door to apartment number 212. They enter, shut the door behind them, and Suwinski engages three locks on the door.

“Sorry for the long drive Doc, but I had to take precautions because you never know whose watching,” Suwinski tells Kimble. “Besides, I thought I would give you the scenic view of the city.”

Kimble looks around Suwinski’s apartment. It is full of computers, printers, terminals, modems and other related equipment. He can see that Dale is a true computer “geek.”

“I’m impressed,” Kimble says referring to the variety of computer equipment. “So what do you do with all these computers, Dale?”

“Everyone has to have a hobby,” Suwinski says. “Mine just happens to be information.”

Kimble walks over to one of the terminals when he notices the home page for the

Dr-Richard-Kimble.com website.

“I keep that one on all the time,” Suwinski says. “Just in case I find something interesting. You know that Chuck had to close down the old Kimble website a few months ago after he learned the feds were poking around trying to hack into it. So he modified the site, installed in a few more firewall protections, changed the name a little and put it back up. This site is better than the old one…more secure and more interactive.”

“Chuck is an amazing guy,” Kimble says. “I owe him my life. He’s done a fantastic job of keeping me informed and helping me stay out of trouble.” Kimble walks up to the computer and sits down. “Would you mind if … I do some surfing of my own?”

“No go ahead,” Suwinski says. “I have to go and call my mom anyway. My dad isn’t doing too well these days, and so…I try to stay in touch as often as I can. You go ahead and have fun.” Suwinski then turns around and walks into the other room to make his call.

Kimble uses the computer’s keyboard and mouse to access the Message Boards of Dr-Richard-Kimble.com. As he does, he again looks around the one bedroom apartment and shakes his head in amazement at the intensity of Dale’s computer wizardry.

Once at the Message Boards, Kimble sees a new message from LOFAN76 and one from Chuck Brixius. Kimble had written to Chuck two days ago inquiring about Suwinski. He proceeds to open Chuck’s message.

“Dear Runningman. Great to hear your voice again. Dale is a good guy. If he says he has information that can help, I would encourage you to meet. Take care and watch your back. Brix96.”

Seeing Chuck’s recommendation of Suwinski helps ease Kimble’s trepidation somewhat. Next, he turns to the message from LOFAN76.

“Dear Richard. You are innocent and deserve freedom. We know who the real killer is, and we are all keeping an eyes peeled for Charnquist. That one-armed freak deserves death, not you. If we see him, we will catch and hold him until police arrive. Remember, we are here for you and believe in you. I am only one person, but I believe that one person CAN make a difference. NEVER give up - keep running! ”

Kimble smiles as he reads this message. Once again, seeing support from unknown believes such as LOFAN76 gives Kimble the emotional edge he needs in order to remain focused on finding Helen’s real killer.

Meanwhile, in the next room, Suwinski is talks on the telephone to his “mother.”

“…yes, everything is going as expected,” Suwinski says quietly into the receiver. “Dr. Kimble is here with me now and suspects nothing. It’s almost too easy. Is there still a reward.”

“Yes there is,” Captain Philip Gerard answers. “$100,000 for bringing Kimble in alive.”

“He’s alive and kicking,” Suwinski says laughing. “I’ve never believed this guy’s story at all. Creeps like this always come up with excuses to save their own necks.”

“His story is certainly an interesting one,” Gerard says. “Tell me when we can make the exchange.”

“Tomorrow afternoon,” Suwinski says. “I’ll keep Kimble here until you arrive.”

“Do you think you can keep him there and unaware that something is up?” Gerard asks.

“Let me put it this way, Kimble is so paranoid that he is looking for someplace safe to hide,” Suwinski says. “I can convince him it is safe to stay here…and before he knows it, this whole escapade will be history. I’m just doing my duty Captain…”

“And the money has nothing to do with it, right?” Gerard says.

“Money is an extra perk of doing my civic duty,” Suwinski says. “The main this is to get this murderer where he belongs … back in prison.”

“Tomorrow afternoon,” Gerard says. “I’ll keep things quiet until then.” Gerard hangs up the telephone and as he does he lets out a yell of excitement. “Yes!” he screams throwing his fist into the air. Eve Hilliard is at her desk and jumps when she hears Gerard’s scream. She stands up and walks to his office.

“What’s all that about?” she asks.

“We’ve got him,” he tells Hilliard excitedly.

“Got him?” she inquires.

“Kimble,” Gerard continues. “We’ve got him cornered and he doesn’t even know it. Before he knows anything, it’ll be all over!”

“That’s fantastic news,” Hilliard says. “So where is he and when do we make the arrest?”

“Tomorrow night the running finally stops,” Gerard says as he looks at his watch. “Oh, I almost forgot about my meeting with Matthew Ross. I don’t want to be late.” He then turns and points at Hilliard. “I’ll be wired at the meeting, because I want verification of what Ross says. You tag along Eve, but remember stay out of sight. This is supposed to be a one-on-one between Ross and me.”

“I’ll be invisible, trust me,” Hilliard says. “That’s one thing I’m good at Just ask my

ex-husband.”

Gerard stands up and walks out of the office with Hilliard following behind.

= = = = =

Mario’s Restaurant, Downtown Chicago - 1:10 p.m.

Matthew Ross enters the front door of Mario’s Italian Eatery and walks to the table where Captain Gerard is already seated. It is a quaint gourmet restaurant featuring authentic Italian food and drinks. The lighting inside is dim, and Italian music can be heard in the background, adding to the ambience.

“You’re late,” Gerard says looking at his watch as Ross takes a seat.

“I’m sorry Captain, but I was inadvertently delayed,” Ross says. “Sometimes, the unavoidable happens.”

A waitress walks up the table and hands them two menus.

“I’ll have a Manhattan,” Ross said. “Would you like anything Mr. Gerard?”

“Captain Gerard…just coffee,” Gerard replies sharply. “I’m on duty. This is business not pleasure.”

“Please bring my friend some coffee,” Ross says.

Outside, parked around the corner, Eve Hilliard is staking out the restaurant. She is listening to the conversation between Ross and Gerard via a two-way radio.

“Okay, Mr. Ross, you called for this meeting … so let’s get to it,” Gerard says. “What’s on your mind?”

“Please, Captain, let’s relax first…there’s no rush,” Ross say detecting hostility in Gerard’s voice. “We have plenty of time.”

The waitress brings the Manhattan and mug coffee to the table. “May I take your orders now?” she asks.

“Give us a few minutes please,” Ross responds. The waitress nods in acknowledgment and walks away.

“My time is very valuable Mr. Ross, so why don’t we stop all the politically correct talk and get down to it,” Gerard says. “We both know why we’re here. We’re here to talk about Richard Kimble.”

“Richard Kimble is only one part of my problem,” Ross says. “The other…”

“What’s the other?” Gerard asks.

“The other involves Dennis Gagomiros,” Ross says. Gerard raises his eyebrows at the mention of Agent Gagomiros. “I knew that would get your attention,” Ross says.

“I thought you didn’t know Gagomiros that well,” Gerard says.

“I knew him, he worked for me, and I despised the man,” Ross says. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that earlier, that was a mistake and I admit it. Gagomiros came to me with references. He was looking for a job and said he could help insure my safety. You have to understand the pressures I am under.”

“I’m listening,” Gerard says sarcastically.

“Gagomiros told me he had friends … close friends in the FBI who could help with personal protection for me and my family,” Ross continues. “I took him at his word. I trusted him and he betrayed me.”

“What did he do for you,” Gerard asks. “Personal protection. What does that mean?”

“I put him in charge of security for Helen and Becca,” Ross says. “We had been receiving threatening phone calls and I decided to take no chances.”

“How is Becca?” Gerard asks.

“No worse for wear…I guess,” Ross says. “She home, but I don’t think she’ll ever forgive you for locking her up.”

“I did what I had to,” Gerard says.

“She’ll never believe that,” Ross says. “She’s very stubborn, like her father. Never lets go of a grudge. She went through hell, thanks to you.”

“She was the one who decided to get personally involved with Kimble,” Gerard says.

“Anyway, after everything I did for Gagomiros, he ended up passing along confidential information to my enemies.”

“Enemies?” Gerard inquires.

“Business enemies, Captain,” Ross says. “Yes, there are people out there who would like nothing more than to see me disappear. Gagomiros got on the inside, earned my trust, and then passed on inside information to others, for a price, to try and destroy me. When I learned of what he was doing, I fired him.”

“So after you fired Gagomiros, where did he go?” Gerard asks.

“That’s a mystery,” Ross says. “But, I must admit that when I heard he had been hired by the FBI, I was disturbed. I could never figure out how a man like Dennis … an unstable and unpredictable man like that … could ever make it into the FBI. I thought there were stricter standards.”

“There are, and that’s what’s puzzling,” Gerard says. “Did Gagomiros ever threaten you with violence.”

“The day I fired him, he vowed that one day he would get even,” Ross says. “But now, I guess that day will never come. By the way, did you ever find out who killed him.”

“Rumor is Richard Kimble did it,” Gerard says.

“Another unstable and unpredictable man,” Ross says. “You know, I tried my best to like him, I really did … for Helen’s sake. But I never could. I always felt she could have done better than to marry him.” Ross gets emotional thinking of Helen’s murder. “If she hadn’t married that man, she would be alive today.”

“Kimble will be caught, you have my word Mr. Ross,” Gerard says. “Kimble can run, but only for so long. Eventually, he will make a mistake.”

“God I hope so,” Ross says. “Having that man roam free while my daughter is dead just rips my heart out,” Ross says. “I don’t know how a monster like him can life with himself knowing what he did to her.”

“Criminals like Kimble feel nothing for anyone,” Gerard says. “He will be caught. Enough talk…shall we order lunch?”

Ross and Gerard continue their discussion over an old-fashioned Italian lunch.

= = = = =

Dale Suwinski’s Apartment - Late Evening

Meanwhile, back at Suwinski’s apartment Richard Kimble and Dale Suwinski are sitting at a round table in the kitchen,.

“So how long have you been into computers Dale?” Kimble asks.

“About seven years,” Suwinski says. “They are interesting and powerful tools. There is no end to what you can do if you know how to maneuver around the internet.”

“That’s what Chuck has always said,” Kimble replies. “One person with a computer can change things - for better or worse.”

Suwinski gets up from the table, walks over to one of the terminals, picks up a folder and walks back.

“Tell me Doc, have you ever thought of just turning yourself in and letting the authorities find this one-armed man?” he asks. This question draws a mysterious stare from Kimble.

“The police don’t want to believe the truth,” Kimble says as he stands up and begins pacing the floor. “They only want to believe what they perceive is the truth. If I thought for one second the police were serious about catching Ben Charnquist, I would walk to the nearest police station and give up. But one time, a few months ago, when the police had Charnquist in their custody, they let him go. No explanations and no answers. They later denied that they had ever seen him. So no, I would forfeit my fate to them.”

Kimble then stops pacing and walks back to the table and sits down.

“You said you had information that could help me Dale,” he says. “What do you know?”

Suwinski shuffles through the file folder.

“Chuck and I talked about you all the time,” Suwinski says. “Chuck always believed you were railroaded, and his passion finally convinced me. That is why I have spent my time trying to do what I can to help.”

“I appreciate whatever you can do Dale,” Kimble says.

“This is very complicated … and it’s getting late,” Suwinski says looking at the clock on the wall. “Why don’t we just forget about this for now and take a night off. We can discuss all this tomorrow when we are both fresh and alert.”

“That’s sounds good to me,” Kimble says. “I could use a night just to kick back and unwind.”

“Look … Doctor Kimble … you go ahead and sleep in my bed, and I’ll take the couch,” Suwinski says.

“No… Dale…thanks but I couldn’t impose on you like that,” Kimble says as he stands up from the table and walks to the couch. “I’ll take the couch. Believe me, when you’ve slept where I have - a couch is luxury.”

“Okay, well I’m hitting the hay,” Suwinski says with a smile. “Have a great good night, and rest easy Doctor Kimble. You’ll be safe here. I’m your friend.”

= = = = =

The next morning, while Richard Kimble awoke as his typical early time, Suwinski slept in late. Kimble is sitting on a chair staring out the window as Suwinski walks slowly out from the bedroom. He hair is a mess, his eyes are half closed, and he is yawning.

“Well good morning,” Kimble says.

“Boy I needed that,” Suwinski says yawning and stretching. “Sure feels good to sleep in once in a while. What time is it anyway?”

“It’s 11:45 a.m.,” Kimble says. “Hey, I hope you don’t mind. I saw that you had some decaffeinated coffee so I went ahead and made some earlier.”

“No…no problem at all,” Suwinski says as he walks to the kitchen table and sits down.

“So, Dale, about that information you mentioned last night,” Kimble asks.

“As soon as I clear my head we can discuss that,” Suwinski says as he stands up and walks to the refrigerator. He opens the door, pulls out some orange juice and pours a glass.

“Dale, it’s very important for me to know what you know,” Kimble says. Suwinski drinks the orange juice, stretches his neck, and rubs his eyes.

“It’s important for me too,” Suwinski says yawning again. “I’m going got take a shower. Give me about 15 minutes and then we’ll talk okay?” Suwinski heads to the bathroom and shuts the door behind him.

As he watches Dale expressions, Kimble is somewhat surprised. But, he then shrugs off Dale’s actions as that of a person who just woke up and has not yet come to his senses.

While Suwinski takes a shower, Kimble decides to again check postings on the Dr-Richard-Kimble.com site.

He accesses the site and slowly scrolls through the usual messages of support from BOBBYNEAR, Brady00, agincourt, TallmanJP, and julia90. Further down the list, Kimble sees a brand new posting from the unknown contact calling himself St.Felix. Kimble opens the posting and reads the message:

“Dr. Kimble. I hope you receive this message time. Wherever you are GET OUT NOW! You are in jeopardy. They know your location and are coming after you. Someone has betrayed you. GET OUT NOW!”

Suddenly, shock and alarm is seen on Kimble’s face. His heart begins to beat faster, and fear engulfs his body. Just then, Suwinski emerges from the bathroom, wearing a white robe and towel on his head. Kimble immediately clicks off of the website.

“Well, that sure feels better,” Suwinski says. “Nothing like a shower to get your juices flowing.”

“Dale, I going to head out to the store for a little while,” Kimble says. “Since I’m going to be staying her I should pick up a few things.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Suwinski says. “You’re my guest and I…”

“I appreciate that,” Kimble interrupts, “but I feel as though I should help.” Kimble begins walking toward the apartment door. “I’ll only be gone a little while.” As Kimble turns the doorknob, Suwinski reaches inside his robe and pulls out a gun.

“I don’t think so Doc,” Suwinski says. “You aren’t going anywhere.”

Kimble turns around, sees the gun and pleads with Suwinski.

“Why are you doing this,” Kimble says. “I trusted you. Chuck trusted you.”

“Chuck is a fool who believes you are innocent …I am not,” Suwinski says. “Trust is one thing, but $100,000 can pay a lot of bills. Now get over there on the couch and sit down. The cops will be here soon.”

Kimble walks to the couch as sirens are heard outside the apartment building. Suwinski walks to one of the windows, opens it and waves to arriving officers.

“He’s up here,” he yells out the window.

As Suwinski is preoccupied with notifying the police, Kimble decides to make a run for it. He darts for the front door and exits the apartment.

“Hold it Doc,” Suwinski says point the gun at Kimble but it is too late as he has already escaped. Kimble heads for the stairway, but as he looks down he sees police running up after him. Frantic about getting away, Kimble runs up the staircase to the roof.

Captain Philip Gerard, Agent Eve Hilliard and police arrive at Suwinski’s apartment and enter. They see Suwinski holding a gun.

“Drop it,” Gerard orders him.

“Okay, okay,” Suwinski says dropping the gun on the floor and putting his hands up. “The gun’s not loaded anyway. Kimble was here but he ran out.”

“He must be heading for the root,” Gerard says. “Eve, I’m going after him. You go back downstairs and tell police to cordon off the area. I don’t want him getting away this time.” Gerard runs out the apartment door and proceeds up the staircase after Kimble.

Meanwhile, on the roof, Richard Kimble is busily looking for an escape route. As he does, Gerard emerges on the roof.

“Kimble … freeze,” Gerard orders as he raises his pistol in his direction.

Ignoring Gerard’s call, Kimble darts for the fire escape and begins scrambling down the building’s four stories.

“I said freeze,” Gerard yells again, this time firing a warning shot into the air.

Kimble runs down the fire escape. Looking above, he sees Gerard following quickly behind. As he gets to the end of the fire escape ladder, Kimble jumps to the street below and begins running. Gerard follows and continues the pursuit.

EPILOGUE

During the next four minutes Gerard and Kimble engage in a foot race. Kimble runs from alley to alley, building to building, in a fruitless effort to lose Gerard. As he runs, Kimble speeds by construction workers and takes refuge inside an office building. Once inside, Kimble looks around for an exit, but soon realizes that there is no way out. Just then, Gerard approaches the building and enters. He sees Kimble trapped with no exit.

“Don’t move Kimble … it’s over …its finally over,” Gerard says breathing heavily with his gun is pointed directly at Kimble. “You’re not slipping away this time.”

Kimble raises his hands in a gesture of surrender. The loud rumble and grinding of construction workers outside the office building can be heard. One of the workers is using a pneumatic jackhammer to dig up the road and sidewalk in front of the building.

“Here we are, standing at destiny’s door, and there is no place for you to go,” Gerard says. “My job is done.”

“Does this mean you believe their story about me killing Helen?” Kimble asks. “Have you bought into their lie too?”

“It means I’m doing my job…Doctor,” Gerard replies. “A jury of your peers has already ruled upon your guilt. Who am I to second-guess their verdict.”

“I didn’t kill my wife,” Kimble pleads. “I was set up.”

“So you’ve told me, many times,” Gerard says. “But there’s no proof of what you are saying. There’s never has been any proof.”

“The proof is Ben Charnquist,” Kimble says. “He’s…”

“Oh come on Richard,” Gerard says interrupting. “You and I both know this so-called Charnquist is a fictional fantasy of yours. Why don’t you get off it and just face the facts of what your did. Stop denying the truth!”

“Ben Charnquist killed Helen,” Kimble yells angrily. “He’s the man I saw in the apartment that night. He’s the one who crushed her skull with a baseball bat. I have to find him. Even you should realize that something more devious is going on here!”

Gerard walks up to Kimble, keeping his gun pointed at him, and pulls out a set of handcuffs.

“Turnaround Richard…you’re under arrest,” Gerard says calmly as he glares into Kimble’s eyes. As Gerard issues his order, suddenly there is a violent explosion. Outside, onlookers watch in horror as glass and rubble are thrown about, and a massive orange and red fireball engulfs the building with Kimble and Gerard inside.

TO BE CONTINED…