Relentless Chase 4 (Troubles Brewing)

by Posey Parks

  “You took my sister from me. Bitch you die now.”

  “Hunter, come in,” Brandon said.

  “Go ahead.”

  “We have company.”

  “We know and we’re on it.”

  I inched toward the tent opening. “Sydney, we have to move.”

  Sydney straddled Pippa. Her sinister gaze was glued to Pippa. Sydney released her hands from Pippa’s neck. She clawed at her eyes. Pippa hands fell to her sides briefly. Pippa stretched her hand, yanking Sydney’s ponytail. Sydney reached behind her back, grabbing the wooden handle of a silver shiny knife, resting against the small of her back. Sydney plunged the knife into Pippa’s chest.

  “Die bitch.”

  She pulled the knife from her chest. Pippa clutched Sydney’s hands. The knife teetered over her face.

  “You’re a stubborn bitch just like your sister. Don’t know when to walk away.”

  Pippa growled. “You’re all going to die.” A seedy laugh released from her throat.

  “You first.” Sydney leaned forward, jamming the knife into her neck.

  Pippa choked on her blood. Gasping for air. Her eyes glassed over as she took her last breath. Her lifeless blue eyes held Sydney’s.

  “Syd, move now.”

  Frozen and trapped in her thoughts, she continued to stare. I stalked toward her, slipping my arm around her waist.

  “I told you it was time to go,” I whispered in her ear. Clutching her in my arms, I walked to the entrance. “Sydney, I need you to get your head in the game. There are weapons in the crates to the right.” I placed her on her feet. “Grab as many as you can carry.”

  She nodded.

  “Seth, what’s your twenty?”

  “Approaching. Less than a mile out.”

  Gunfire rattled in the distance.

  “Hopefully, these AR-15’s will do.”

  I smirked. “They sure will.” A rifle rested on each of her shoulders. She placed three weapons in my hands. I flung one on each shoulder. Staring through the scope of the third, I trekked into the open.

  “Sydney, stay close.”

  Standing back to back we scoured our surroundings. I peeked overhead at the drone.

  “Caden, three men closing in behind the tent ahead.”

  “Copy that.”

  Brandon was our eyes in the air. He flew the drone.

  “Syd, break off.”

  She darted to the other side of the tent. Staring at each other I raised three fingers counting down in silence. Once I reached a fist, we inched forward. I shot a target in my sniper lense view. Stepping quick, I pulled the trigger, a bullet slammed into the next targets head in my sight. Peeking to my right, I nodded at Sydney. The sand kicked up. We covered our nose and mouth with the mesh grills that hung around our necks.

  “Brandon, has Seth arrived yet?”

  “Yes, he’s on the ground.”

  I turned to my left, spotting a target. Firing my weapon, a bullet hurled into his head. We didn’t leave survivors. Head shots only. They were moving in quick. I glanced behind me. Sydney was in an altercation. “It’s me Seth, Sydney.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and nodded at me.

  “Get her out of here.”

  “Roger that, brother.”

  Seth sprayed bullets across his path, lighting up the men who thought they’d attack. I returned my attention to the trouble on my eleven and three o’clock. Gripping a Glock in one hand and an AR-15 in the other, I shot the men who walked toward me. Trudging through the heavy sand, I caught up with Hunter and Skyler.

  “How many are in your sights, Skyler?”

  She stared through her scope. “Ten.”

  “We need to split up. I’ll break to the left.”

  “Copy that.” Jacob directed with his hand to the right of the tent before us.

  Skyler ran in the direction he ordered, still firing shots.

  “I’ll give you guys a head start.” The drone ascended. Bullets pummeled a few of the men marching forward.

  “Thanks, Brandon.”

  I dove into the sand, gripping my rifle. I fired several shots into the distance. The men fell to the ground. A helicopter flew overhead, stirring the sand. Bullets rained down, slamming into the men in our path. A ladder lowered swinging from the helicopter.

  “Brandon, how are we looking?”

  “Clear for now.”

  Hunter ran over, placing bricks of C-4 in my hand. “We need to light it up.”

  “Understood.”

  We split up, lining each tent with explosives. Hunter, Skyler, and me met outside the three tents.

  “Ready to move?” I glanced between them.

  They nodded. We climbed the ladder in a single file line. Once on the helicopter, I pressed the red button on the box.

  Pippa and Randy’s dirt along with ours exploded, forming a large mushroom cloud.

  Sydney fell into my arms. We stared at the destruction until Seth flew us out of view. We placed the earphones over our ears.

  “Thanks, big bro. You came through for us.”

  “That’s what family does. We look out for each other.”

  A smile flashed over every face.

  “Brandon, you were great out there today,” I stated.

  “Yeah, cousin you rocked it. The President could use a man like you in the field.”

  “I’ll think it over. You guys have a safe trip back. The drone will self-destruct in five seconds.”

  Sydney peeked at me. “Sebastian, how did Seth get involved?”

  “He informed me he wasn’t afraid of a little danger. I asked Jacob and Samantha to test his skills. They said he was an excellent shot. Must run in the family.”

  Seth laughed.

  “I didn’t know he’d been taking flight lessons over the years. All those times I thought he was running to the slopes he was taking flying lessons.”

  Sydney grinned. “That’s cool. The way you rescued me was also bad ass, Seth.”

  He glanced at her, smiled and saluted.

  “Jacob, I knew you, Brandon, and Seth were my back up. What happened to leaving our wives at home?”

  He cut his eyes at me. “We’re married to two very persuasive women. I informed Robert, Samantha and Sydney were joining me. I told him not to worry you with the details. It worked out.” He threw his hands in the air. “Another successful mission.” He rested his head against the wall. “Wake me once we arrive at the airport.”

  “Sebastian, you’re aware we have to brief the President,” Samantha stated through barred teeth.

  “Why do you have a hard time calling Robert the President?”

  She grinned. “We have a long, complicated history that involves my best friend who's now his wife. Not to mention he’s my new contact.” She shook her head. “Well our new contact. You get you aren’t leaving the CIA as long as your buddy’s in office.”

  My lips tightened. “Yeah. We’re friends who help each other when needed. I rather work for Robert any time.”

  She sighed, resting her head on Jacob’s shoulder. “If you say so.”

  My lips melted against Sydney’s forehead and my fingers grazed her stomach. “How are you two doing?”

  Her eyes met mine. “We are perfect now.”

  ∞

  Sydney’s fingers rested in my chest hair as she snoozed against my shoulder. I caressed her large belly. She slept like a baby since we’ve returned from our mission. I didn’t remember Sydney happier than she was after ending Pippa. Life was good. I had one more loose end.

  The custom black suit fit my muscled frame perfectly. I stood, gazing out the window, hands deep in my pockets.

  “Hello, Sebastian.” I heard at my back.

  “I’ve always loved the seasons in Atlanta. There’s really only two. Fall and summer.” I grinned.

  “What brings you here today, Sebastian?” He stood at my side.

  “Congressman Porter, this is your last term in office.”

  “What are you
talking about?” his graying brows wrinkled.

  “I made the President aware of your shady business tactics. He sent me to clean house. Dirty politicians have to go. My team and I have taken the liberty of shutting down your arms business. A man as shady as you will find a way to weasel back into the business. You won’t do it hiding behind the U.S. government.”

  He stepped closer. “You’ve got some fucking nerve coming in to my house threatening me.”

  I faced him and my forehead creased. “I am not threatening you.” I poked my finger into his chest.

  “It’s a fucking order. You will inform the American people you are stepping down. Tell them whatever bullshit lie you’d like. But by this time tomorrow afternoon you will no longer be a U.S. Congressman.”

  His blue eyes darkened. “You fucking bastard! You’ve taken everything from me.”

  I ran a hand over my dark moussed hair. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I leaned into his ear. “Don’t think of seeking revenge.” I stepped back, tapping my ear piece. “Light’em up,” I ordered.

  A laser circled his forehead. I held up my cell camera, revealing his reflection. He jumped back. “What the fuck?”

  “Doesn’t matter where you move in the room. I have someone covering each window. I have the best fucking sharp shooters in the world on my team. They can blow your head off from a mountain top while you lie in bed at your vacation home.”

  I slipped my mirrored aviator sunglasses over my eyes. My heavy hand landed on his shoulder. “Cheer up. You’re keeping your retirement benefits. Happy retirement.”

  His lips twisted.

  My brow arched. “Think before you speak.”

  I flashed a devilish grin and waved as I vacated the room.

  ~

  “Sydney, what are you doing?” I stepped into her office.

  “Watching our stock rise. Your names been cleared and business is booming. Isn’t that right Bella?”

  She cradled our baby girl in one arm as she scrolled through the internet.

  I scooped up my little beauty. “How’s daddy’s princess?” Her little brown eyes brightened. I kissed her cheek.

  “You’re only one month old and mommy’s talking to daddy about having another baby.”

  Sydney smiled. “I think I want two more precious babies then our family will be complete.”

  We sat on the floor with Caden. He rammed his truck into my leg.

  “What do you think, Caden? Do you want another sister or brother?”

  “Yeah.” He smiled.

  I kissed his almond complected cheek. “You need a little brother.”

  He leaned over kissing Bella’s forehead.

  “You are a great big brother.”

  Sydney wrapped my free arm around her waist.

  “Is that your plan for our retreat? You want to try for another baby?”

  Her lips curled upward. “It wouldn’t be so bad would it? The girls and I joked about it. What if we all became pregnant on the trip? How cool would that be?”

  “Sweetheart, are you sure four children will be enough?”

  Her lips pressed against mine. “I don’t know. I’m happy to make more beautiful babies with you.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Oh, yeah. We might be ahead of the other couples. I want to start tonight.”

  “Going rogue. Not waiting six weeks.”

  Her tongue slid past my lips. “Nope, not waiting.”

  “All right, kids. Time to hangout with nanny Martha. Mommy and daddy need a little grown up play time.”

  “Play,” Caden yelled.

  ∞

  I stared at the flames, attempting to reach the sky from the center of our large circle on the private beach.

  “Jacob, pass me a beer.”

  He reached into the cooler beside him and threw a beer bottle toward me. I caught it midair.

  Samantha sank into his lap. “We should get away more often.”

  Sydney straddled me in the wooden lawn chair.

  “This is long overdue,” she whispered into my ear. I rubbed her bikini covered ass under the night sky. And I do mean covered. There was no way my woman would walk around in a thong in front of a bunch of guys. Family or not I wasn’t having it.

  “Samantha, the bonfire was a great idea.”

  She nodded. “Thanks, Sebastian.”

  The other guys sat in a circle, clutching their women waving their beer bottles in the air.

  Zoey tapped her cell, then kissed Brandon. “Time to dance girls.” Music poured from the medium size speaker, sitting on a nearby cooler.

  Zoey hopped to her feet. Sierra, Nadine, Carmen, Samantha, and Sydney followed. You would have thought our wives were strippers the way we stared with desire.

  Chugging my beer, I nodded at Dillon. He smiled and his eyes fell back on Sierra.

  “I think we need to make this an annual trip.”

  Tony grinned. “Sebastian, I agree.”

  Dominic swatted Carmen’s ass. “Definitely.”

  Nothing like a little R&R for a family of assassins and mobsters.

  The End

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  Continue reading to enjoy an extended preview of Hidden Witness 5:Marco’s Story…

  HIDDEN WITNESS 5:MARCO’S STORY

  Portland, Oregon my least favorite place. It rained too fucking much. Not sure how Dillon lived here for fourteen years. My father said there was a black-tie charity event, happening while I was in town. He said I should attend and donate a shitload of money. He said it was good publicity. So here I was leaning on one elbow against the bar. My eyes scanned the room over my glass of vodka. There were a lot of heavy hitters in the room. Who ever was running this event was well connected. The band played a light ballad. I needed a change of scenery. Dominic said I spent too much time at the strip club. I smiled taking another sip. Turning to the bartender, I raised my empty glass. “Another one, please.”

  “Whoa, how many drinks have you had tonight?” I heard to my right.

  I peeked at the beautiful dark chocolate woman. Her smile brightened.

  I glanced upward, reflecting on her question. “Three.” I peered at her. “Do you think that’s too many for a man my size?”

  Her pretty dark eyes roamed my tall frame. “I don’t know. How many drinks does it take to lay you out? You know shit face drunk?”

  I laughed, sipping my refreshed drink. “I’d say twelve.”

  Her pouty lips fell open. Then she laughed. “You’re pulling my leg?”

  “Nope. And I don’t drink and drive either. So, if I had too many drinks, I’d call a cab. What about you? How many drinks until you’re bursting with laughter?” I winked.

  “Not sharing.”

  I smiled. “You don’t have to.” I stretched my hand out toward her. “Marco Esposito.”

  I shook her soft hand. We stared at each other longer than we should have.

  “Emoni Morgan. It’s nice to meet you.”

  “The pleasure is mine. I don’t want you to worry about me drinking too much. I am an excellent pacer.”

  She smiled.

  “What are you drinking tonight? No let me guess. Red wine.”

  Her high cheek bones lit up. “Most times. But I am drinking champagne tonight.”

  I chuckled. “Ok.”

  “Calling all bachelors to the stage. We would like six wonderful men to volunteer to be raffled off for charity. You’d spend time with the person who paid for your time tonight. Please gentleman join me on stage.” She tossed her long black hair over her shoulder.

  I turned and faced the bartender. “Another vodka…”

  “Marco, do you plan to participate?”

  “No.”

  “It’s for a great cause,” she smiled.

  “I already donated a hefty check tonight. I think myself and the charity are even.”

  “Would you volunteer for me?” She batt
ed those long eyelashes. “I think if you were the first man on stage, you’d spark hefty bids.”

  I sighed. “The only way I am walking onto that stage is if you bid on me.”

  “What? No.” She waved her hands.

  “All you have to do is bid until you win. When the auctioneer counts down, you yell out the winning bid. I’ll cover the cost of the bid.”

  She placed her hand on her chest. “I don’t know are you sure?”

  “I am. And that is the only way I’ll participate.”

  Her cute face twisted. “Ok.”

  I walked down the aisle onto the stage. Emoni was right. The second I stepped on stage women stood to their feet cheering. Five other men joined me on stage. The bids poured in. Emoni waited. Two women were in a bidding war over me for one hundred K.

  “One hundred five thousand dollars.” The red head lady stated smiling, walking toward the stage like she’d won.

  “Going once. Going twice.”

  “One hundred fifty thousand dollars,” Emoni shouted.

  The red head lady turned, scowling at Emoni.

  “Going once. Going twice. Sold to the lady at the bar.”

  I didn’t want to grin ear to ear and make it obvious. But I was excited she won.

  Strolling toward the bar, I raised my hand to the bartender. He placed a vodka on the rocks before me.

  “Great job, Emoni.”

  She smiled wide. “I learned from the best.”

  I slipped my check book out of my tuxedo jacket and wrote the check to the charity. I placed the check on the bar. The auctioneer appeared, collecting the check from Emoni.

  Two hours later, our lips were glued together. I shoved her petite body against the hotel door as I slipped the card in the slot. Three vodka cranberries later, our tongues were damn near permanently attached. That was what it took to get her to my hotel room.

  Lying on my stomach, stark naked. I opened one eye. My tattooed arm was sprawled over her stomach. I caressed her soft skin. She didn’t stir. The clock read three a.m. Normally, I kicked women out right after we had sex. Why was Emoni still here? Something weird was happening because I wanted her to stay.