The Enigma Series Boxed Set

by Tierney James

  The prime minister burst into a fake laugh. “Fat chance, little brother. You didn’t know until this very moment he was my guest.” He examined his finger nails as he spoke. “He’s a rather likeable fellow. A bit on the crude side, but I think that is all a ruse. After all he did work for the NSA and can speak fluent Russian. Why the hell would a hillbilly learn Russian? I’ll tell you why, because he was one of your decoders. The man likes to put on the ‘ah shucks’ façade but the eyes never lie. I’ve looked into those eyes and I see a very clever old man who is determined to get what he wants, even if that means throwing in with the Egyptians.”

  “Agent Cordova will escort him out immediately.” Ben wanted to threaten his brother and would have if the President of the United States hadn’t been glaring at him.

  With an insulting smirk, Gilad continued. “I meant to inform Samantha, sorry, I mean Agent Cordova last night when you called to check on me.” He smiled as if remembering the beautiful Enigma agent that had shared his bed. “I’ll have to be more conscious of my responsibilities next time. She can be,” his eyes shifted to the president with amusement, “very distracting.”

  “What are you running at Enigma anyway, Ben? A dating service?” The president wasn’t happy. “Gilad doesn’t need our resources to protect him.”

  “If I might add, sir, that with Agent Cordova in the embassy we managed to keep a close eye on Gilad’s activities.” His eyes locked with his brother’s. “We figured he’d try something idiotic like this if given the chance.”

  Gilad clicked his tongue impatiently. “And here I thought Samantha liked me for my witty conversation.” He’d left the beautiful agent with David to go over the plans for the evening events with the Geographic Convention. He planned on attending with Samantha as his escort. If all went well they could return to the embassy together. On the other hand, if things went south then he’d probably be dead and it wouldn’t matter.

  “I’m pulling her from your protection detail. I wouldn’t want you to have the burden of undue distraction,” Ben offered sarcastically.

  He took out his phone to call Samantha. “Sam?” Ben listened for a few seconds then disconnected. “You really are out of your mind, Gilad.”

  The president’s bewildered look forced Ben to continue.

  “The prime minister released Jake Wakefield several hours ago.”

  Chapter 12

  “H urricane Candace is now barreling toward the east coast at sustained winds of 110 miles per hour. Rain bands have inundated the D.C. area since around noon.” There was a television giving the latest report in a room where security went about preparing for the evening visits of two heads of state.

  Chase watched the guests arriving in the ballroom from his position, in a tucked away security command post set up by the Secret Service. They worked for several weeks prior to the conference to make sure the president’s visit, providing he didn’t have a national emergency, would go without incident. Everyone remained on high alert, given the hurricane and threats against the president. He was the keynote speaker for the convention. His aides encouraged him to go since having educators, corporate kings and science gurus at his disposal translated into votes at the ballot box.

  Adding on the visit of the Prime Minister of Israel, who volunteered to speak briefly to what he hoped, would be future support for his country, tacked on another layer of concern and security issues. Gilad’s people continued with meticulous preparations, working like a methodical machine with little small talk toward the Secret Service. They volunteered no information and offered no advice unless specifically asked a question. Their presence grated on the Secret Service. The Israelis aired themselves as superior to the Americans.

  Taking all of the territorial issues in stride between the two protection details, gave Chase an opportunity to look for her. Sticking a finger between his white collar and neck, he pulled slightly as if doing so would make the black tie more comfortable. Yet his eyes never left the camera scenes. They would go from monitor to monitor searching the halls, then the ballroom, before clicking on other areas of interest. Once a Secret Service agent frowned at him before locking in observation points and remained at his side to make sure they remained fixed.

  Chase’s silence deepened as his relentless scan continued until he found Tessa Scott.

  That hammering pain in his chest caught him by surprise when he dropped his hands to his side. Clenching his fists as if to start his circulation, he watched her enter with her friends. They occasionally stopped and spoke to others. She would wait falling into a kind of measured patience. Smiling after an introduction, she then stepped back to scan the room, with what he knew to be unbelievable blue eyes. Who was she looking for? Her uncle?

  Suddenly she locked onto something and moved forward to stare into a small mounted camera the size of a thimble attached to a house plant near where she stood.

  “Now that’s a fine-looking woman,” muttered the Secret Service agent. “Think she knows the camera’s there or is just into plants?”

  “She’s one of my people.”

  The agent looked up at Chase for the first time. “I think I’m going to request a transfer.”

  “I’ll see what I can do. I’d advise you to be careful around that one.” He turned to leave.

  “Why is that?”

  “She could get you killed.” Chase checked his weapon in his shoulder holster.

  “There are worse ways to die,” he smiled as he watched the no nonsense agent exit the room.

  ~~~

  Zen inspired music floated out into the waiting area, carpeted with a geometric design in gold and red. Replicas of famous Terra Cotta Soldiers stood guard on each side of all entry doors to the ballroom. The dragon murals along the wall added an ambiance of adventure and romance most educators would never be able to afford.

  Authors stood with anticipation at their tables, piled with books concerning everything from how to be a better teacher, to lesson plans on botany. Roaming waiters walked around the shop-talking educators with trays of hors d'oeuvres.

  The winding staircase to the mezzanine level made gawking out the windows, toward the lights of Washington D.C. impossible to ignore. The lightning flashes and smashing of horizontal rain, slamming into the panes of glass added a lure of danger Tessa’s friends appeared to enjoy. They laughed and waved at people, some of which they didn’t really know, hoping to be a part of someone’s party after the dinner and speeches.

  Through it all, Tessa remained cool and aloof with vigilant attention to finding her uncle. Or at least, that is what she tried to tell herself. Something inside her anticipated Chase would materialize, rescuing her from the evening’s mindless parade of people showcasing their fashion sense, when in truth, they had none. Even Shelly made a comment concerning a sixty something woman in a purple sequin dress.

  “What was she thinking? Who do you think convinced her that was slimming?”

  Both Kate and Tessa burst into laughter and entered the foray of attendees. “That’s why you can’t go wrong with black,” she whispered to her friends. They nodded in agreement having decided to go with black dresses in varying degrees of sparkle. “You girls look fabulous by the way.” Tessa eyed her friends with an approving nod.

  Shelly sniffed. “Not that anyone will notice with you in that strapless cocktail dress. Your boobs are pushed up so high they’ll think you’re a Victoria Secret model.”

  Kate started laughing as Tessa swatted her friend on the butt. “Unfortunately, there’s way too much of me to get that impression.”

  “There’s my new best friend.” Shelly chirped spotting the bartender. She slipped an arm around both her companions, giving them a tug. “Distract him, Tessa, and maybe we’ll get our drinks free.”

  Removing her friend’s arm, Tessa smiled. “Honestly, Shelly, you’re incorrigible.”

  They stood at the end of one of the lines to the bar. At least ten people waited ahead of them. When the three women stop
ped at the edge of a corridor, Tessa’s eyes drifted back to the flashes of light seen through the large plate glass windows. Shelly and Kate chatted with others in line, knowing no stranger or limit to topics of conversation. Without warning someone in the corridor reached out and slipped a hand in hers.

  Jerking her head around, she tried to pull her hand free. Chase leaned against the wall with a grin on his face. He eyed her appreciatively, making her feel almost naked. When his eyes came back to meet hers, he dropped her hand. Shifting his eyes down the corridor, she decided to follow.

  “Shelly, I’m going to find the ladies room.”

  “Want anything?”

  “No. I’ll get some tea at dinner.” She started to move away as her friend made a flippant remark about being a stick-in-the-mud.

  Chase had already neared the end of the corridor when she started to follow. He turned right and opened a door which began to close behind him almost immediately. Just as Tessa caught the handle she stole a look back down the corridor to make sure no one had seen her. She slipped into the room. Acutely aware the room was in total darkness except for a small security light hanging over the door, Tessa tensed at the eerie glow. Uneasiness swept over her.

  What was I thinking following such a dangerous man into a dark room, Tessa thought as she turned to leave? But the feel of Chase’s hands on her waist made her back up so quickly she thumped against the padded wall.

  The red glow cast him into the look of the devil himself and made Tessa’s heart race with anticipation and fear. She knew what he was capable of; last night reminded her of that. He could make love to you one moment and kill a man in the same instant without so much as elevating his heartbeat.

  ~~~

  Pushing his hands away only brought a breathy laugh so close it moved the strand of hair that had fallen across her face. He wanted to touch it but knew she’d over react.

  “You look beautiful, Tessa.” His words were laced with sexy warmth meant to unnerve her.

  “What are you doing here? Isn’t the Secret Service in charge now? Have you seen my uncle? Where are the others?” Tessa’s nervous chatter seemed to be edged in guilt for something he couldn’t understand.

  Chase put his hand on the wall near her ear. When she tried to slide away he cut off the retreat by putting the other hand up. “Questions. You’re full of them. I’d forgotten how you chatter when you’re nervous.”

  Her eyelids fluttered, making the corners of his eyes crease in amusement. She liked putting on a brave show, but her body language spoke something completely different.

  “I have a right to know anything about my uncle.”

  “True. After all, it is your crazy uncle that has gotten you into this mess.” He managed to make her stiffen at the insult. “I’m here, Tessa, because you are distracting the Secret Service from their watching after the president.” A large hand came down on her bare shoulder, causing her to bump into his other arm in hopes of escape. “Easy.”

  “Don’t talk to me like I’m some racehorse that needs a rub down.”

  “Trust me, Tessa; I would never think of rubbing you down like a horse.” He continued to smile, knowing he was unnerving her.

  Putting her hands on his chest she pushed, but only succeeded in making him chuckle deep in his throat. “You should not be following men who carry guns into dark rooms. I see you’ve a great deal to learn if you’re going to keep getting into Enigma business.”

  “For your information this is the last thing I ever do for your rogue band of sketchy agents. I’m still not convinced you’re on the up and up.”

  She dared lift her eyes to meet his and bit her lip. He wanted to cast common sense to the wind and succumb to the desire welling up inside him. Their eyes embraced, confused and stimulated by something taboo.

  “You’re a terrible liar, Tessa. You get off on all this cloak and dagger stuff. I can see it in your eyes. Everywhere you go you’re looking for something to happen.” He slid his hand from her shoulder down her arm slowly. “Following me in here was risky.”

  “Oh, I see,” she fumed. “I think that little nod you gave me and the twitch of your fingers was some kind of order to follow so you could fill me in on what the heck I’m supposed to do tonight. But no,” she pushed against his chest again and slapped his hand from her forearm, “you’re trying to finish what you started last night. Despicable.”

  “Last night I only wanted to get you out of trouble. Again.” His eyes darted to the lip she was biting. “You didn’t protest all that much as I remember.”

  “It’s pretty hard to protest when your tongue is half way down my throat,” she growled, which only made him laugh deeper and trap her again with his hands on either side of her head.

  “Are you angry because I kissed you or because you kissed me back?”

  Tessa sucked in her breath with astonishment. “You are so full of yourself. I’m not one of your brainy bimbos that swoon at the mere sight of you.”

  “That you are not.” The temptation to pull her into his arms forced him to take a step back. His clothes were getting uncomfortable and his heart hammered in his ears. “Why don’t we go to your suite and discuss strategy?”

  “That’s the poorest attempt at a come-on I’ve ever heard.” Now that he wasn’t so close, Tessa straightened and attempted to pull up the bodice of her dress. She had no idea how much of a target she’d become to Chase’s careless visual examination.

  “What’s gotten into you? You don’t like married women and you certainly don’t fraternize with other Enigma agents.” She gave the bodice another yank. “Seems to me I’m the poster child for double trouble.”

  “Yeah,” he grinned eyeing the woman before him with unabashed approval. “That was before you wore that dress. I’m thinking maybe I was a little hasty.”

  Tessa jerked her chin up in mock disgust. “Are you really flirting with me, Chase?” Her voice was appalled.

  With narrowed eyes he appeared to consider the question before speaking. “No. I’m pretty sure I’m hitting on you. It’s all the more enjoyable that you don’t even realize it. You’re such a babe in the woods, Tess. I’ll have to make sure no one takes advantage of that. It really is such a temptation to some men.”

  She took an angry step toward him. “And who will watch you?”

  His smile faded to a narrow line as he caressed her face with his dark eyes. “I’m counting on you to do that.” He quickly encircled her waist with one arm as she tried to slip away. But when he pulled her tighter against his chest she stopped and glared up at him. With his free hand he reached up and removed the clip from her curls so they fell around her shoulders.

  Releasing her, Tessa stumbled back against the wall. He handed her the rhinestone clip which she snatched. “It’s hard for me to concentrate with so much skin showing. That dress doesn’t leave much to the imagination, I might add.”

  “Well next time I’ll wear my flannel pjs, and Spiderman house shoes. That should cool your jets a bit.” Tessa pushed her hair away from her face. He watched the movement like a starving tiger, ready to pounce on his next meal.

  “Maybe that works with your husband, but let me be clear,” he said with one corner of his mouth turning up, “the thought of you in flannel pjs, and Spiderman house shoes is kind of a turn on.”

  This broke the frosty attitude Tessa tried so hard to maintain. She started to laugh until a tear squeezed from the corner of her eye. Chase laughed too. “Okay. Stop it.” Choking on her laughter caused her to place a hand on her throat before she cut her eyes back up at him.

  Chase fought the pull of his needs. “I don’t think a woman has ever found my advances so funny.”

  Tessa cocked her head teasingly. “I bet.” The words rushed from her mouth before she could stop them, causing a blush to start up her neck.

  “You are a dangerous distraction.” He could smell her fragrance, soft and unusual. The low red glow from the security light bounced off her hair leaving it a
strange color of copper. “But as of now, we have other matters to deal with.” He waited for her to respond, noticing she’d begun to shy away from him again. Resisting the temptation to pull her back, Chase continued. “Your uncle is still at large. We thought we had him this morning but managed to slip away without Sam noticing.”

  “Sam!” Tessa’s blood ran cold. The dark beauty hated her and the reason was standing right in front of her. “How would she know anything about my uncle?”

  “It doesn’t matter. What we do know is that the Israelis are involved somehow. Sam should be here soon with the prime minister.”

  “Doesn’t he have his own protection detail?” The fact that Chase stood close enough to feel her breasts rise and fall with each breath diminished the seriousness of her uncle’s disappearance.

  “Sam is escorting him to the banquet.” He smiled knowingly. “You needn’t be concerned about Sam. Maybe the two of you will learn to get along.” He hid his doubts.

  “Are you sleeping together?” Tessa asked sarcastically.

  “You know better than that. Besides it’s none of your business.”

  “Look, I don’t care who you sleep with, I just don’t want her to think we are. That could get me killed. Maybe you think national security is nasty business, but finding myself alone with that Amazon could really ruin my day.”

  “I’m not sleeping or having sex with Sam.” He flashbacked to a small motel in the Sierra Nevada Mountains a year earlier where he’d found himself under the sheets with Tessa. Apparently by the expression on her face, she was remembering the same thing. “I promise you’re the only Enigma person I’ll ever take to my bed.” It was impossible to stifle his throaty laugh when she groaned with embarrassment.

  “Not a word of that to anyone,” she shushed. “That will never happen again.”

  “Does that mean no flannel pjs and Spiderman house shoes?” he teased looking seductively into her blue eyes.

  “No flannel pjs.”