The Enigma Series Boxed Set

by Tierney James

  Tessa whirled around when he spoke. She lifted her arms for only a second, as if she might want to embrace him, but he scowled hard enough to make her reconsider. She filled him in on the conference with a few sentences. “The undersecretary needed to stop here for some business.”

  Chase raised his chin, suspicious of anyone from the State Department. He squinted against the late afternoon sun. “What kind of business?”

  Although no evidence of wounds showed through his shirt, Tessa examined his shoulder and chest with an almost casual scan. She shrugged after a few seconds. “With the ambassador, I guess. They weren’t obliged to include me in their closed-door meeting.” He watched Tessa slip her hands under her wrap and into her pants’ pockets. “Are you really okay? Are you coming home now? I bet if I said something to the undersecretary, you could fly with us.”

  Chase wanted to push the lacy shawl off her head, where tangled, blond curls objected to confinement, but he resisted. “I’ve suffered worse. I’ll be okay. My work isn’t done here. A few more people I need to talk to.”

  “Oh.” She didn’t try to hide the disappointment. “Can you tell me how you got those injuries?”

  “Fell down the stairs.” Chase grinned. “It’s a terrible idea, your being here. Why would Ben agree to this madness?”

  Tessa clicked her tongue in disgust. “He didn’t. It was Bonnie’s idea, and I don’t have a say in anything. The director informed me his first choice to be on this trip couldn’t go because of her television show. None other than Martha Stewart,” she laughed. “The implied meaning, I think, being I have the qualities of watching paint dry and wouldn’t draw any undue attention.” Her laugh always made Chase chuckle, too. “He threatened me with Sam if I screwed up.”

  “In other words, he told you not to be nosey or get into trouble.”

  She tilted her head, her expression changed from humorous to coy. “Needless to say, the threat worked like a charm. By the way, you look handsome in those camouflage fatigues. I’m glad to see my best friend.”

  “I’ll have to remember that trick.” Their silence thickened until Tessa stared at the ground. He reached for her arm and managed to pull her hand from inside her pocket. Before he could wrap his hand around hers, Tessa laced her fingers through his. “This is such a bad idea,” Chase whispered in her ear.

  A hot wind blew her shawl from her hair. Strands of curls fell across her nose. “I should go. But”—she surveyed her surroundings—“I don’t know how to get back to the embassy.”

  “Guess you’re going to have to depend on me, then.”

  “I’m not sure I can trust you with such an important job.”

  “Maybe dinner first. I know a little place, not too fancy but very private.”

  “Ok. Where?” Humor returned to her mouth.

  “My tent.”

  He continued to tease but felt wolfish having her so close. The image of Little Red Riding Hood popped into his head.

  “My, what big teeth you have,” she cooed, apparently thinking the same thing.

  “The better to…”

  A siren filled the air with its long piercing blast and people ran frantically in every direction. The doctor came outside to stand next to Tessa.

  “What’s going on, soldier?” Chase stopped a private crossing the yard after he noticed a plume of smoke in the distance. “Are we under attack?”

  “Not sure, Captain Hunter. A car bomb is all I know. Pretty sure it was that embassy Jeep parked here today. Damn shame.” Then he took off running.

  Chase pivoted and grabbed Tessa who had turned a pale shade of gray. “Doc, take her to the bomb shelter until I get back. If anyone wants to know who she is, tell them…”

  “To shove it up their—”

  “Exactly. Now move.”

  Tessa’s fingers dug into his arm but the doctor pulled her away. “Chase!”

  He ignored her, running toward the danger.

  Days later, here he hid, alone with Zoric, waiting for someone who would never show. One thing was for sure. He was done waiting for the Afghans to take a stand, for the US government to get their act together over here, and for the Taliban to be defeated once and for all. One more thing had become clear after seeing Tessa. The time to confront what they both longed to have couldn’t wait. What if he’d let her leave with the Marine? How many times would fate be on his side?

  Chapter 6

  Pamir Mountains

  B onnie Finley wanted to stop talking about their situation and how they came to be stuck in this cold hell. She liked the beach. This place reminded her how far from a warm, sunny beach she’d strayed. Confronting a great white shark in the cool waters of the Pacific had to be better than here.

  Letting her carnal desires get the better of her would be her undoing. She’d met Ambassador Jarvis in Vienna the year before at a summit. They enjoyed each other’s company in the most intimate of ways. He had been an adequate lover, keeping her interested enough to stay in touch. Gossip held the ambassador might have fallen out of favor with President Austin. She didn’t know why and didn’t care much. But if she played her cards right, maybe she could secure an ambassadorship to add to her political accolades. The side trip to Kabul became part of her plan.

  Having Melanie—or Tessa as she’d come to find out—tag along didn’t sound like it would be a problem. One more do-gooder who couldn’t resist sticking her nose where it could get cut off. Jarvis stood hip-deep in the opium trade with the locals. He claimed it benefited the Afghan people, but Bonnie didn’t see them getting any richer. By satisfying his appetite for contraband wine in a country that forbade it, and his sexual needs, Bonnie managed to extract enough information from him to know being a part of his operation could prove very lucrative for her bank account.

  The trouble with her plan, according to Jarvis, was Tessa had stumbled in on him talking to one of the most wanted Taliban in the area. She’d excused herself, but the drug lord demanded Jarvis do something about it. By the time Bonnie knew of the plan, Tessa had decided to visit the wounded soldiers at the hospital. The relief she felt at seeing her return convinced her the information would stay close to the vest. Even so, she pondered the moments which set into motion their current situation. Did Jarvis try and eliminate her, too? Men like him thought of themselves first and foremost.

  Watching the Kyrgyz tribesmen make ready, she pulled up the memory of the ambassador to try and understand it all. She listened to Tessa singing “Ring Around the Rosie” with the children. They were taking great delight in the game, especially the “all fall down” part. This amused her in spite of herself as thoughts returned to what she believed to have been safer times in Kabul.

  ~ ~ ~

  Kabul, Afghanistan

  Two Marines escorted Tessa into the American Embassy foyer where dozens of personnel milled around speaking in low voices. They all turned as she rushed to the center and stopped, noting how a hush fell over the space. Disbelief expressions stared at her as she pushed through people who didn’t appear capable of moving.

  “Melanie.” Bonnie ran down a hallway toward her. “Thank heavens you’re alive.” She stopped in front of her with an unexpected embrace then held her at arm’s length. “We thought you’d been killed in the car bomb.” She shook her head in dismay. “That poor young man. Where were you, Melanie?”

  “At the base. I ran into an old friend and then got detained.” She turned in a circle, surprised to see how everyone hung on her every word. “Someone else volunteered to bring me back.”

  The ambassador joined them. In his midforties, he had the appearance of a man who worked out but also spent too many hours in a tanning bed. Not much taller than Tessa, he carried himself as if he were above everyone else. “You were lucky.”

  Tessa had remarked something about divine intervention. A predestined meeting with Captain Hunter would have trumped any other plans. When she’d begun to weaken against his sexual prowess, another force greater than herself ha
d intervened once more. “Yes. Very lucky, Mr. Ambassador.” The other embassy personnel drifted into other parts of the building.

  “You’re shaking. Please. Come into my office, Ms. Glenn.” He motioned down the hall. “You, too, Ms. Finley.”

  Both women followed him as Bonnie slipped her arm around Tessa for moral support.

  “I’m glad you’re okay.” Bonnie gave her a friendly squeeze.

  “Did you notice anyone around your vehicle while you were on base, Ms. Glenn?” The ambassador closed the double doors then motioned for them to sit in leather chairs in front of his mahogany desk. He sat on the corner nearest Bonnie.

  Bonnie crossed her bare legs, her navy skirt rising over slim thighs. Tessa caught the ambassador’s downward glance before he cleared his throat. Something like amusement passed between him and the undersecretary as one corner of her mouth turned up then relaxed again. It was a delicate movement that Tessa almost missed.

  “No, Ambassador Jarvis. The MPs searched it before we were allowed inside the main operating area. Once on base, it was parked in a secure, guarded area.”

  “I see.” The ambassador tapped his pencil on the desk and chewed on his bottom lip for a few seconds. He turned his attention back to Bonnie. “Any thoughts?”

  Lines formed at the corners of Bonnie’s eyes and mouth. “Of course not.” She reached across to Tessa, laying her hand on top of her forearm which rested on the arm of the chair. “Maybe it was random. These kinds of things happen all the time in such a godless place. No telling what horrible things lie in wait for someone as innocent as Melanie.” Her voice became soothing and soft. When she turned her attention back to the ambassador, Tessa thought she saw a glint of contempt. “Am I right, Ambassador Jarvis?”

  “Definitely. Now”—he slipped off the corner surface then moved around the desk to face the women— “the Marines are often targets in this hell. I think the trip to the girls’ orphanage should be postponed.”

  “Orphanage?” Tessa straightened in her chair.

  Bonnie sighed. “Perhaps you’re right. As much as I want those poor little things brought in, maybe picking them up can wait.”

  “Wait for what?” Tessa wanted a distraction from her near-death experience. The mention of orphans did the trick.

  “Several wealthy benefactors from the States have made it possible for young girls to come to America to be educated for one year. The Afghan government won’t allow adoption but is willing to let these children participate in the program.” The ambassador loosened his tie as he stole another glance at Bonnie’s legs.

  “Melanie, we wanted these children to be given hope and an education. Americans are very generous,” Bonnie offered as she toyed with her fingernails.

  Tessa frowned. “I see. When they have to send the girls back, Americans will dedicate themselves to raising money to ensure their efforts continue. I bet the Afghan government is already planning what to do with the money. I doubt those girls will ever benefit from one dime.”

  “I agree, of course,” Bonnie interjected. “However, I think if we work together over the next year, we can find a way for the girls to remain in the US or devise a plan where the money goes into building schools and group homes. We’ll have a news team follow them for a year. Contact National Geographic, where I understand you may have some influence. It can’t smell of government involvement. You, on the other hand, would be perfect to spearhead this project.”

  “That could work.” The ambassador rubbed his chin. “What do you say, Ms. Glenn?”

  Bonnie had hit Tessa where she was most vulnerable. “We are so lucky our children have safe, happy lives with access to education and health care. But here…”

  “Let’s do it. Can’t soldiers go get them?”

  “Unfortunately, no. The Afghans have insisted American soldiers not be a part of this. We suggested some international aid workers, but they are unavailable until next month. The Afghans are notorious for changing their minds. Time is not on our side. We can always try next year.” The ambassador shook his head as he exhaled a deep sigh.

  “If we go, will we have protection?”

  Bonnie frowned. “You can’t be serious, Melanie? Are you sure about this?”

  The ambassador snapped his fingers like he hadn’t thought of such an idea. “Yes. Of course. It isn’t far by helicopter. The area has been secure for over a year now. The locals are supportive. I’ll talk to the base commander and get his feeling on the matter, but I don’t think there will be any objection if they’ve locked this car bomb incident down.” He cocked his head at Bonnie. “Are you in?”

  Tessa realized Bonnie would be banking on public relations gold as she gave her answer. “You bet.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Pamir Mountains

  Several of the riders carrying a child behind them pushed the yaks ahead, while Darya herded the others carrying supplies. It was an orchestrated event to reach home with necessities. Tessa rode behind him, Arzo, the three-year-old in front of him. Listening to Darya explain how to keep the animals moving, even what the beasts of burden were thinking, amused the child enough she bombarded him with more questions which he answered with the patience of a patronizing parent. She caught enough of the conversation to make her chuckle. Darya grinned back over his shoulder at her, and for a moment a warm feeling replaced her contempt. He reached down to pat one of her hands gripping the sides of his clothing then turned away.

  “All right, Melanie?” he asked in a nonthreatening voice.

  “Yes.” She didn’t want to compliment the sound of his voice or the way he sang to the child.

  The landscape switched from patches of forest to desolate land, heavy with rocks. The flat areas stretched forever. The jagged mountains in the distance appeared closer. All the while the altitude increased. The temperature dropped during the day as they moved up toward the mountains. The heat of Kabul disappeared. A piercing sun morphed into a soft glow hanging in the sky. Sounds of the wind resembled voices of apparitions. Breathing would be laborious for a while, until she became accustomed to the thinner air. The sound of nothing except the grunts of yaks and the prodding of sharp whistles filled Tessa with comfort. The ripple of water rushing beneath rickety bridges tied together with rope gave her pause, but Darya didn’t appear to be concerned so she laid her cheek against his back and inhaled his masculine scent.

  When Darya stopped to rest the horses, he gave the children more of the cheese to munch on. While he moved from child to child, Tessa studied him. His walk exuded confidence, his movements agile for such a muscular body. Even covered in black clothing, like the other men, Darya stood out among his companions. Nearing six foot, he stood several inches taller than the men following him. In spite of having part of his face covered, his eyes revealed intelligence. His lips were thick and expressive as if God had sculpted them Himself. Even though they remained pursed most of the time, the occasional smile he’d given to the children revealed good teeth. She’d noticed the other men suffered from cavities or a missing tooth, but Darya must have practiced good dental hygiene as a child.

  She admired his hair, sticking out from under his brown hat in straight dark strands. The ragged mask failed to hide his wide nose. She couldn’t resist staring at his hands as he passed Bonnie Finley some bread. He didn’t pay the woman much attention as he shoved it at her. Tessa liked his gracefulness as he walked the horses, checking for any problems. His kindness toward the animals paralleled his attention to the children.

  These people were not monsters like the Taliban. At least, Darya appeared to be different. When he turned on his heels and leveled a fierce glare at her, she caught her breath. She hoped he couldn’t detect the thoughts of admiration welling to the surface. He took the reins of his horse and walked it toward Tessa. She raised her chin in quiet defiance as his beautiful almond-shaped eyes narrowed. He swung up onto the horse then reached down for her hand.

  Her heart pounding, she examined his half-hidden face for
a hint of danger. She saw none. He pointed at something in the distance then extended his hand again.

  Tessa grabbed hold of his leathery hand and let Darya swing her up behind him. He called to one of the other men before tapping the animal’s sides with his feet. The horse jerked to life and galloped across the plain as she held on for dear life.

  The horse gained speed when Darya let loose a joyful sound of freedom from deep in his throat. Tessa’s grip around his waist tightened, but she couldn’t contain the laughter spilling from her mouth. She felt the scarf slip down around her neck and her hair whip in the wind. Something inside escaped in that moment. Not knowing her identity or missing pieces of her life brought her to this point in time no longer seemed to matter. She knew enough to know riding behind this man on a crazy fast horse was the closest thing to bliss that she’d probably ever know. Had she ever been so free?

  When Darya jerked back on the reins, she could feel the muscles in his back flex. She tightened her arms around his neck. Darya threw the reins down before swinging his leg over the horse’s neck and sliding to the ground. He reached up to pull Tessa down, and, before she could protest, his hands touched unsettling places. Once she steadied herself, he withdrew and grabbed the reins, walking the horse toward the edge of a cliff as he motioned with his head for Tessa to follow.

  Uneasy at the distance from the others, Tessa imagined a number of scenarios, none of which turned out well. Yet the vastness of the surrounding land mesmerized her to distraction. The sound of silence wove a hypnotic spell around her common sense. The overwhelming taste of freedom swallowed any fear of Darya she knew should be forefront in her mind.

  Her steps slowed as she stepped up next to the tribesman who appeared transfixed at the valley beneath them. Tessa sucked in her breath at its unsurpassed beauty then placed her hand on her heart. Foamy curls slammed into boulders scattered in what she imagined to be icy whitewater. The distant sounds of swift water now reached her ears as she closed her eyes. The act of breathing felt labored here. Tessa took a deep breath and held it in as long as possible before releasing it with deliberate slowness. When she dared to glance sideways at Darya, she realized he studied her with interest. Laughter sprang from deep inside her as she pointed to the land below.