“Yes. No. Actually he had on different pants.”
The girl wore black pants and a white jacket with a mandarin collar just like the other waiters. “Do you mean jeans?”
“Cargo pants. The kind with pockets on the front and side.”
“Build?”
“What?” The girl was starting to regain some control. The rebellion started to surface.
“Short, tall, skinny, fat? Build.”
“Taller than you but shorter than that idiot over there that keeps checking out your ass,” she quipped.
Tessa turned to look at Carter puckering his lips up in a frown, something Tessa wasn’t used to seeing. His eyes met hers as he lifted an eyebrow.
“Who is he anyway? Some dumb Fed?”
“My handler. He’s here to make sure I don’t lose control. I have a few anger issues. The shrink keeps saying I’ll get better,” Tessa smiled wickedly as the girl’s face paled. “But the shrink isn’t here and I’ve been off my meds for a few days. I’m feeling pretty confident right now.” She rolled her head as if loosening up neck muscles. “The hurricane seems to have thrown my emotions into overdrive.” A sigh escaped her lips as she nonchalantly continued. “The pants. Did they look empty? Was he stealing?”
“Now that you mention it they were a little bumpy. I don’t know. When can I go? Is this about us gettin’ it on in the fridge or some old guy?”
“Did he say anything?”
“No. He just looked silly and left.”
“Silly?”
“He pulled down a ball cap over his eyes and slithered out, all creepy like. We just laughed at him.”
“Did you see him put anything into his pockets?”
“No. Now can I go?” The girl pleaded.
Tessa remembered just a year ago how she’d begged to be released from the clutches of Enigma agents. All requests were denied.
She turned, walking toward Carter who took a few steps back through the door where they could be alone.
“Someone must have left him what he needed for tonight.” Carter sounded concerned.
Agent John Elliott, Secret Service joined them and put his hands on his hips. Tessa grew aware of his shoulder holster when his black suit coat pushed back. “This guy says they were in there for a little slap and tickle. Teenagers,” he growled with disgust. “Really focused on her not wearing any panties, not much else.”
Carter relayed the information Tessa squeezed out of the girl. “They don’t know anything else,” the agent snapped. “Just a couple of stupid kids. We’ll keep them here until the president leaves just to make sure though.”
Someone pushed the boy past them and into the room with the girl. Derogatory remarks spewed at the agent. Tessa fought the urge to go back in to make the girl apologize but the agent withdrew as quickly as he’d entered.
“Carter you and your partner split off from us. Head upstairs. I’ve got the area sealed off but you can go up the exit. My men checked in five minutes ago and said there was no sign of Mr. Wakefield. I told them you were on your way.” The Secret Service agent narrowed his eyes as they skimmed over Tessa. “Are you carrying a weapon, Agent Scott?”
“Does it look like she could carry a weapon?” Carter said as he led her out into the long hall where the president entered earlier. “I’m not sure where he thinks you’d put a gun in that dress?” he said flippantly. “I think this exit leads upstairs.” The Secret Service agent at the door stepped aside for the two.
“Anything?” Carter asked the bulky agent.
“No. Quiet. No in or out this way. The other guys are at the bottom of the stairs at the far end of the balcony. The door is secured. Here.” The agent handed Carter a key. “You’ll need this.”
Nodding, Carter opened a steel door and turned to see Tessa frozen in place. The anxiousness on her face and the nervous hand movements told him she wasn’t quite up to Enigma Intimidation 101.
He extended his hand not realizing his usual boyish grin now morphed into a stern reprimand. “Stop second guessing yourself. You did well in there.”
“I’m not cut out for this life.”
Releasing her hand Carter pulled out a Beretta from inside his suit coat then nodded toward the stairs. “None of us are. We do what we have to do. Now get your act together in case we run into your uncle. If you’re not calm he won’t be. Just this once, Tessa, do this for your country and not some misplaced family loyalty. If you want your uncle to stay alive we need you on your game.”
“You’ll let me talk to him first if…”
The sound of a closing door above them whispered a whoosh.
Slamming their bodies against the cool concrete wall along the steps, their gazes went upward. The lights flickered when a clap of thunder rattled the building. Stimulated senses forced them to creep up to the first landing then on to the top of the stairs. He touched his earwig but there was no immediate response.
Carter tried the door. It was unlocked.
Cracking the door open enough to take a quick look, he saw nothing. Something wasn’t right.
“Shouldn’t the door be locked?” Tessa whispered.
He nodded without taking his eyes off the empty entrance to the balcony. Motioning for Tessa to follow, they slipped inside.
The thunderous applause of the audience below covered the rage of a hurricane slamming into the D.C. area. A short documentary film on the effects of global warming presented by a National Geographic sponsor sounded epic as the lights dimmed. The deep penetrating voice of a well-known celebrity began narrating the presentation. The music sounded sweeping, laced with ominous warning. Tessa couldn’t help but think the background music made for great drama considering they were looking for her uncle who planned an assassination attempt on the president.
Most of the time, the plush carpeted balcony hosted extra seating for conference goers and banquets. Tonight the Secret Service demanded it be closed to protect the president from a shooter. Running lights around the baseboards, although dim, provided enough clear sight for the two Enigma agents.
Stopping, Carter touched his earwig. With a slight nod of his head, he indicated Tessa needed to stay close. A sigh of relief escaped his lips as he moved forward to look over the railing.
“This area was cleared not more than five minutes ago. Someone forgot to lock the door we came through. Screw up. The storm caused a slight delay in answering me. They’re at the other end, at the bottom of the stairs. No in or out without their eyes on target.”
Tessa tried not to take offense at the use of the word ‘target’. Gingerly she looked over the railing. Heights gave her trouble. Feeling her heart pound a little harder, she convinced herself it was nothing like the time Chase grabbed her while she dangled off a bridge.
“Are you alright?” Carter looked around anxiously thinking something had spooked her. “Did you see something?”
Shaking her head Tessa’s voice came out in a hoarse whisper. “Seems like I get into trouble where heights and Enigma are concerned.”
A mischievous grin appeared on his face. Tessa felt a little comforted by the expression; making the situation more about a rascal ready to make a move on her than pitching forward over the railing because of a stray bullet.
“You certainly got yourself in a lot of trouble a year ago.”
Jerking her chin up, she narrowed her eyes. “Really? Is that how you remember it, because I recall that your boss was the cause of everything that went horribly wrong in my life that week?”
Carter continued to smirk as he lowered his weapon and eyed Tessa. “And here you are again, up to your pretty little eyeballs in another conspiracy. Correct me if I’m wrong but you kept saying it was divine intervention that brought you to us.”
Swallowing an angry retort, Tessa had to admit it certainly felt that way a year ago. Now she wasn’t so sure. God didn’t strike her as a practical joker. What in her life would cause God to toy with her sanity again? “That was then. This is now.”
/>
Leaning in to whisper, Carter couldn’t help but chuckle. “Nice come back. You’re such an innocent, Tessa. It’s no wonder our captain feels…”
Suddenly he straightened and peered across the vast empty space over to the darkness on the other side of the balcony. Something moved.
Still annoyed by Carter’s lack of empathy, Tessa huffed, following his stare. She saw the shadow too as her body grew paralyzed with fear. Just as she shifted her gaze at Carter, something slammed into his forehead propelling him back against the wall.
Chapter 16
The prime minister of Israel waited impatiently with the president in a small room just off the conference hall. The smell of steak and chicken still clung to the air with a hint of smoke from those who requested well done meat. The soft clink of china being cleared, failed to cover the self-serving tone of the Hollywood narrator in the documentary. Speculating that the voice did not match the brain in terms of intelligence, Gilad rolled his eyes upward in apathy. His steely demeanor created a false sense of calm in front of his companion, Samantha Cordova.
Watching her stand prim and proper in her black silk suit, he found the thought of her wearing something black and lacy underneath a welcome distraction. Knowing she brought the Kimber Ultra Carry he’d given her as a gift just this morning for taking such good care of him, he felt confident she would take down any threat against him. A mental note to thank his brother for reconsidering to let Samantha continue to be his escort meant he probably would be in Ben’s debt.
Taking a deep breath, he exhaled then glanced at his watch. The sound of fury outside the hotel appeared to be intensifying. Rooms had been reserved in case the hurricane prevented them from leaving after the speech. This could be a hell of a night if things didn’t go as planned. It didn’t make much difference where he stayed. Chances were no one would be getting any sleep.
The scent of some exotic spice Samantha bathed in earlier, drifted to his senses. Realizing his disappointment of not being able to explore the possible options of another night wrapped in her control, he leaned into her and whispered. “Come back to Israel with me, Dr. Cordova. You and I are good together.”
Samantha never flinched as she continued her vigil of surveying the room. The prime minister’s bodyguards stood close. There shouldn’t have been a need to worry. “You would quickly tire of me, Sir.”
The prime minister chuckled lightly. “Perhaps after the first twenty or thirty years, but by that time I will be dead.” Her slanted cat eyes turned on him with affection. “Unless I die tonight of course.”
“We won’t let that happen, sir. Security is tight. Between the Secret Service and Enigma, not even a cockroach could get in. Be a good boy.” A seductive smile appeared before she turned her eyes away. “I have plans for you later.”
“Hmm,” he said between clenched teeth. “Whatever my little brother is paying you I will triple. Think about that.”
Sam took a step away. “Yes, sir. I’ll do that.”
~~~
This effect on men gave Sam an edge others resented. There weren’t many women agents at Enigma. Most of them worked in the technology or strategic planning offices. Women instructors, moles and couriers held positions, but the ones capable of being agents often stayed with the CIA or FBI. Career paths were clearer with those agencies. Blurred lines rather than stiff protocol and regulations suited her style. The few women she encountered at Enigma navigated away from her. Then Tessa Scott ruined everything.
Clenching her teeth, the thought of the woman from Grass Valley momentarily blinded her with rage. Without her help a year ago, a serious terrorist threat would have jeopardized the medical community as well as the nation’s food supply. Captain Hunter protected her like she was the Holy Grail.
Rejecting the idea the captain held affection for the bumbling idiot nauseated her. The whole team appeared to have fallen for the save-me-I’m-so-helpless façade Tessa displayed. The fact remained, the captain never looked at her the same way he did at that trouble maker from Northern California who stumbled into their lives.
Earlier she’d heard from Director Clark, Tessa had been selected as a temporary agent until this Jake Wakefield mess cleared. The thought occurred to her this could be another distraction that need terminating. Whoever said competition was a good thing didn’t understand her vindictive nature.
A movement near the door caught her eye when she realized Chase listened to something on his earwig. With his head down thoughtfully, Sam could tell his concern reached beyond the assassin. Was he thinking of that little twit from Grass Valley?
“Something wrong, Chase?” Sam moved to his side.
He lifted his eyes toward the president. “I’m going to check on Carter.”
Sam laid a firm hand on his arm. “He’s fine. He’s not going to move on Betty Crocker when he’s working.” She understood Carter only pretended to be interested in Tessa to unnerve Chase.
“I know. Stay close to them.” He nodded toward the president and the prime minister. “Just going to have a look around. Thought I heard something.”
“I’ll come with you.”
“I’d feel better with you watching them. Sounds like the Hollywood part is over. The prime minister is up first.” Chase eyed Sam. “What’s the problem?”
“Why wasn’t I consulted on Tessa joining the Enigma team?”
When her frosty glare continued to bore into Chase he spoke through gritted teeth. “It wasn’t my decision to bring Tessa in. So get over yourself.”
“You mean the director included her over your objections?” she said incredulously as her eyes darted to the prime minister.
“No. The president wanted her. Not me.” With an abrupt turn he took his leave. “I’ll make it up to you, Sam.”
“A girl can only hope,” she quipped with an insinuating tone.
~~~
Just as Tessa screamed, a thunderous applause went up, approving of the Global Warming presentation. The master of ceremonies announced everyone would be receiving a complimentary copy of the film. She rushed to Carter’s side, panic making her breath come in short bursts.
“No. No. No.” Tessa cried out as she nearly fell over a folding chair he’d knocked over as he propelled backwards. “Don’t be dead. Don’t be dead.” Her words sounded hopeless even to her ears.
Unconscious, he failed to respond to Tessa’s hands touching his chest and face like an anxious child searching for clues. Something warm and wet covered her fingers when she tried to slip them underneath his head. The dim light covered only his torso, leaving his head in darkness. The flood of tears burst forth as she laid her fingers on his juggler to reassure herself he lived. Closing her eyes, a strangled prayer escaped her lips in hopes that God would save him. So lost in her hysterical grief, she failed to notice the approach of a dark shadow.
A bony clasp took her by the shoulder. She whirled around, falling back against Carter to stare up at a man dressed in a white jacket. As he leaned down, extending his hand, Tessa tried to crawl away.
“Get up,” he demanded in a familiar gruff voice. “He’s not dead.” His voice came out like a growl as he waited for her to trust his extended hand.
“You tried to kill us, Uncle Jake,” she sobbed pushing his hand away. Staggering to her feet, Tessa brought her fists up to her heart.
Jake moved the Enigma agent with his foot enough to see the gun lying beneath him. Reaching for it, he then checked to see if it was ready. Satisfied he stuck it in the waist of his pants.
“I would never hurt you, Tessa. God Almighty, child, I’d think you’d know that by now.” He nodded down at Carter who started to moan. As Tessa tried to drop to his side, Jake cut her off. “He’ll be okay. We need to move. There’s not much time. I’m going to need your help.”
She pointed a quivering finger at the middle of his chest as she tried to stop her wobbly knees from swaying. “Help you? You’re trying to kill the president and now my friend is unconscious th
anks to you,” she barked over another round of applause.
“And you’re going to help me,” he snapped. “I know who you’re working for and they are no better than me.” He grabbed her arm, jerking her to his chest. “They’re killers, spies and glory hounds that do the president’s dirty work. I’m disappointed in you, Tessie,” he said as he started to drag her after him, fingers digging into her upper arm. “I’m going to get my buddies back and if that means killing two birds with one stone, I’m doin’ it. You hear me?”
“Two? Who else?” Tessa stumbled after him. Maybe if she went willingly there would be time to talk him out of this crazy nonsense.
“Gilad Levi.”
“Are you insane? His people will kill both of us. Don’t do this, Uncle Jake. I beg you. Let me help you get them back. But not this way.” Tessa laid her trembling hand on her uncle’s chest. “Please. Think of Dad and Mom. What will they say? Jake, please.”
He shook his head violently. “Too late.”
Pulling flex ties from inside his white jacket, she took a step back, but couldn’t out maneuver the old man. The strength in his jerk caught Tessa off guard. Before she could scream a warning to the people below Jake pushed a red bandana, he retrieved from another pocket, into her mouth.
Desperate to stop the madness, Tessa shook her head and tried to speak. He forced her to follow him. Only the night would be his judge. He apparently wasn’t going to let things like family get in the way of retribution.
Jake reached down and lifted his hunting rifle from the darkness on the floor. Habit forced him to double check the readiness of his weapon. Tessa wondered in that instant how he managed to slip it in without setting off alarms.
The moan that penetrated Tessa’s gag drew his eyes to her briefly causing a wave of sadness to engulf his eyes. Nothing would ever erase the terror she’d witness tonight. Would hate replace her love for him? Sacrifice verses regret would be his burden if he survived this night.
Holding the rifle against his body with one arm he reached out, cupping Tessa’s chin in his leathery hand. A weak smile, begging for forgiveness crossed his mouth momentarily. “I love you little girl. Always have. I’m sorry you got caught in this. A man’s gotta do what’s right. Someday you’ll understand.”
Winds of Deception (Enigma Series Book 2) Page 17
