The Enigma Series Boxed Set
Page 108
“Tessa?” Chase asked again. “Talk to me.”
Nothing.
He tossed his phone to Zoric next to him. “Damn woman is going to make me lose my mind one of these days.”
“I think you enjoy her careless disregard for authority.” Zoric wiped at the moisture forming on his window. “We all do. It’s so—innocent.”
Chase tapped Carter on the shoulder and pointed to a gas station with a sign still announcing the highway had been shut down. He nodded and kept driving as Vernon offered directional changes intermittently. Usually, he didn’t sit in the back seat. He wanted to be the one driving or giving orders from the front. Carter, his second in command, suggested the change since Chase remained agitated over finding Tessa’s husband with another woman.
“Innocent? There isn’t one thing innocent about her,” Samantha grumbled from the rear seat. “All of you are seduced by the smell of chocolate chip cookies and her ‘aw shucks’ mentality. She is playing you.” Chase listened but continued to stare through the space between the front seats and out the window. “If you’d give her hell then bend her across your knee, there’d be none of this nonstop insubordination.”
Carter took one hand off the wheel to snap his fingers. “A great idea, but only if I can watch.”
“All of you, shut up and focus.”
Chase knew he went easy on the Grass Valley housewife. From the moment he’d laid eyes on her, there was something he couldn’t resist. For some reason, she helped him see humor in the simplest things, believe in the possibility of a higher power, and instilled a desire to be a better person. Tessa’s ability to find trouble gave him plenty of opportunities to rush in and be the hero.
He’d never acted on his feelings. Somewhere during his career, he’d committed to never toying with the affections of a female agent or a married woman. Unfortunately, Tessa fit in both those “off-limits” perimeters. It didn’t keep him from falling in love with her or finding reasons to be alone with her. When both of them ended up in Afghanistan under a dark cloud of corruption among American officials, their attraction for one another threatened to make them throw caution to the wind. The call of duty demanded he delay crossing the moral line he’d had every intention of destroying. Someone else stepped in to take advantage of his absence, changing her forever.
Now, here he was again, coming to the rescue. Maybe one of these times she’d insist on showing her appreciation in a way besides her chocolate chip cookies. With so many complications in her life, he postponed the first move. On the other hand, if she decided…
“Hey. We’re coming up on the safe house,” Vernon said as he glanced back at Chase.
“Try calling her again, Zoric, so Vern can pick up a signal.”
Zoric handed him the phone. “Ringing.”
~~~
Tessa bit her lower lip so hard she tasted blood. Only the glow from the fireplace lit the room as she picked up an iron poker and moved behind the door. The doorknob turned so slowly, she doubted she’d seen it move. One of the kids exhaled and rolled over, drawing her attention. Heather mumbled in her sleep, and a log shifted in the fireplace. Any other time, she’d have loved those sounds. Now it scared her like the click of a gun in a dark room.
She reassured herself by touching the lock—still bolted. Nothing else happened as she stared at the door, holding the poker like a samurai sword. After a few minutes, she exhaled several large breaths as if they’d struggled to be released.
“Where are you, Handsome?” she whispered. A step toward the children drew her attention to another sound at the back door. “No. No. No.”
She stumbled her way through the kitchen and managed to trip over a chair in her rush. The door creaked open as a gust of cold air pushed into the small attached mudroom lit only by a nightlight. The outline of someone stepping inside propelled her to take action. Lunging into the cramped area, Tessa swung the poker across what she hoped would be a sensitive and vulnerable area.
The figure staggered back, hitting his head against a board with coat hooks. A grunt of discomfort reached her ears when she reared back the poker to take another swing. He caught it midair and jerked it from her hand. She jumped back as her phone vibrated in her pants pocket. Shaking his head, the figure straightened to his full height. Tessa pivoted to escape, only to feel a hand catch the hem of her sweater. He yanked her backward. A frantic attempt to dig out her phone caused her scream to sound more like a choking sound, only to have it slapped from her hand.
~~~
“Tessa?” Chase could hear noises, maybe even a gasp, or was it a cry for help? He continued to listen, switching to speaker mode.
Everyone strained to listen to the chaotic commotion. Even Carter slowed the vehicle and cocked one ear.
“Got her.” Vernon’s voice, although barely above a whisper, sounded encouraged. He gave Carter new directions before evaluating his computer screen once more.
“How long?” Chase grabbed the back of Carter’s seat.
“With the road like this, maybe half an hour.”
Silence followed. Chase knew the urge to curse, grumble, or complain would not get them there any faster. Instead, he formulated a plan of attack. Too many missing variables in the current situation to know the number of intruders—how many outside and inside. What had happened to Handsome, and where were the children at this moment?
It rubbed him the wrong way when kids got hurt. The Scott children made Tessa a little crazy at times with their bickering and propensity to be mischievous. He’d told her on more than one occasion they came by it honestly, so stop worrying. She managed things all right. The little girl, Heather, was the spitting image of her mother, but the boys favored their father. Hopefully, they wouldn’t grow up to be a jerk like him. He was keeping an eye on Sean Patrick who demonstrated some leadership skills, even at a young age. Tessa said he dreamed of the military academy. Daniel was a brain, and Vernon monitored his activities on the internet when his own workload allowed. Probably should have been more diligent, considering he snooped on the wrong people.
He didn’t want anything to happen to Tessa on a variety of levels, but the number one reason was because children shouldn’t be terrorized by crazy people. If anything happened to those kids, someone would pay.
“Up ahead, Chase.” Carter put the Suburban in park but left the engine running. “See a late model SUV at our two o’clock.”
“Kill the engine,” Chase instructed as both he and Zoric lifted their binoculars. “No one inside it.”
A rattling sound emitted again from the phone in Tessa’s possession. Mumbling carried through to them. The words, “stop it, no, my kids, and help,” faded in and out without any way of putting it in context. Chase could feel himself tighten up like when he confronted an enemy in battle. Every muscle, nerve, and brain cell prepared to eliminate the threat. The sound of a weapons check and zippers closing followed by car doors quietly being opened, found the group of Enigma agents moving a short distance to hide behind a bush or tree before taking further action. When Chase pointed in several directions with his trigger finger, the group fanned out toward the cabin.
~~~
“Stop it,” Tessa snapped as she applied a disinfectant to the cut on the back of Handsome’s head. He jerked from her touch one too many times. “You gave me a scare. At least my kids didn’t wake up during the excitement.” Both she and her new protector glanced toward the living room where the children continued to sleep.
“Maybe you should sleep for a couple of hours. I’ll keep watch.” Handsome pushed her aside and stood.
“Help is on the way. I talked to Captain Hunter not long ago.”
The stranger’s frown deepened at the sound of Chase’s name. From the way he puffed out his cheeks and bit his lower lip, she got the feeling he wasn’t too happy about the thought of the cavalry showing up.
“What’s wrong? You said to call them if you didn’t come back.”
“I came back.”
“Two men. Same ones at the gas station. White South Africans.”
“In Tahoe? How do you know they were South Africans?”
He moved to the kitchen window and used one finger to push the curtains open enough to peer out. “I know.”
“Where are they?” Tessa took a step backward in the direction of the living room.
He dropped the curtain and shifted his bulbous eyes to her then flicked a glance toward where the children slept. “They were bad men.” He pulled out a drawer and withdrew a large butcher knife. “You should go in with your children now.”
Her body refused to breathe. She held the air tight in her chest as her hands went to her mouth to suppress a scream. The lights over the stove and sink flickered then extinguished. Only the light from the fireplace danced around the room. Still, the children remained asleep.
For such a large man, Handsome continued to move like a ghostly apparition. He held his free hand to his mouth and indicated she should be quiet as he moved toward the back door. She hadn’t heard it before, but there was certainly something or someone trying to get in. He had closed the door then placed a ring of antique keys around the doorknob. The sound of their slight quiver must have alerted him.
There came a moment when a rush of winter’s blast swept in around her feet, yet she remained frozen in place as she watched Handsome press his back against the wall going into the laundry room. Someone dressed in a light-colored jacket and sock hat slipped through the doorway into the kitchen. Both hands gripped a weapon as he paused for a second. He straightened when his eyes fell on her. Once again, she hadn’t followed orders, this time Handsome’s orders. The weapon lowered slightly as she recognized the stance of the man who never failed her.
“Watch out.” Tessa threw her hands forward, as if by doing so she could stop Handsome.
The giant of a man knocked the weapon from Chase’s hands then grabbed him around the throat and slammed him against the refrigerator. He lifted the Enigma agent about six inches off the floor as Chase pawed at the stranglehold.
Tessa stepped up behind Handsome and felt his strength when he pushed her back with his free hand. Chase managed to touch the floor again but remained in the giant’s grasp.
“Handsome, let him go.” Tessa tried to step closer but was held at arm’s length before his attention returned to Chase.
“Nice to see you, Handsome,” Chase croaked as he blinked then wrinkled his forehead as if in pain. “I see you are keeping fit.”
Handsome removed his grip on Chase’s throat but took the opportunity to slam him against the refrigerator door again.
“Handsome, you’re going to wake the kids!” Tessa fumed.
Chase narrowed his eyes at her. “Seriously? That’s what you’re worried about?”
Tessa moved closer, avoiding Handsome’s outstretched arm. “Oh. Sorry. Handsome, let him go.”
“No.” He continued to glare at Chase, nostrils flaring, his chest rising and falling as if he’d been running. He then applied more pressure to Chase’s chest. The agent cringed.
“You aren’t still mad over our little misunderstanding in Tunisia, are you?” Chase gasped for more air and tried to pry Handsome’s hand from the middle of his chest. “I swear I didn’t know you’d end up in prison.”
“Handsome, please.” Tessa also tried to pull him away, but he shoved her back with his elbow. “Let’s talk about this. I’m sure Chase never meant to hurt you.” She stole a glance toward the living room. Then she let her mom voice come through. “I swear, if you wake my kids, I’ll take a baseball bat to that thick head of yours. This is the first time all day I’ve had a minute to myself, and you’re ruining it!”
Handsome’s frown deepened as he glanced over his shoulder to where the children were sleeping. Then a click sounded as another gun pressed to the man’s temple.
Chapter 9
“H ello, Handsome,” came an East European accent. “I see you are misbehaving again.”
“Zoric,” he said flatly. “I should have smelled cigarette smoke when you slithered in like the snake you are. Guess you decided to take a shower and put on clean clothes.” Handsome did not remove the pressure from Chase’s chest and lifted the butcher knife from the counter with his free hand.
Zoric gave a snicker then pushed the barrel of the gun tighter to Handsome’s head. “Stand down.”
“What? Are you going to shoot me in front of this lady and her children? Very messy.”
“So right,” the Serbian smiled as he pulled a switchblade from a pocket and pushed a button to flip out the blade. “But I came prepared.”
“Oh, for crying out loud!” Tessa snapped. “This place reeks of testosterone.”
Samantha tiptoed inside the kitchen and, after evaluating the situation, slipped her weapon back into a holster. Handsome refocused his attention on her. For once, Tessa was grateful the woman was probably the most beautiful creature in the world, not to mention deadliest. Sam offered a brilliant smile as she placed her hands on her hips then blew Handsome a kiss.
“Hello, Handsome. And I do mean handsome. You old dog. You were supposed to call me if you ever got to California. Remember? I told you I’d buy you dinner. I must be losing my touch.” Samantha cocked her head then winked. “I like a man who plays hard to get.”
“Let’s face it, Sam,” Tessa huffed as she folded her arms across her chest, “there isn’t much about any man you don’t like.”
“You’re not helping, Tessa,” Chase growled through clenched teeth.
Sam pushed her face into hers, and sniffed. “Ugh. You still smell like cookies. Shows on your hips, Betty Crocker. How about a gym membership as an early birthday gift? My treat. Lord knows you need it.”
“Bite me,” Tessa retorted, but her rapidly batting eyelids revealed her intimidation.
Samantha flashed a brilliant smile. “Nice comeback.”
Handsome watched the two women go back and forth. The distraction caused an involuntary loosening of pressure on Chase’s chest. In a split second, Chase slipped out from under the large hand and landed a hard blow to Handsome’s solar plexus. Taking a step back, a surprised expression crossed his face. His hand flew up and knocked the knife and gun from Zoric’s hands, but barely flinched at the punch. He swung his own knife at Chase and dodged a second blow. Chase managed to catch hold of Handsome’s thumb then bend it back until the knife clattered to the floor.
Samantha scooped up Zoric’s weapons in a fluid, graceful move then sighed. “Oh, Handsome.” She handed the Serbian back his weapons as Chase kicked the second knife away then reached for his gun on the floor next to the stove. He shifted his attention to the two women in time to see them do a fist bump. “Good job,” Sam offered sarcastically. “It seems men everywhere enjoy a good cat fight.”
Tessa rolled her eyes and reached out to pat Handsome’s arm.
“What is going on between you two,” Zoric grumbled as he put away the knife. “Fist bumps?”
“Don’t get used to it.” Tessa took in a deep breath.
“Mommy?” It was Heather standing up by the couch, rubbing her eyes. “I gotta go potty.” The little girl wobbled around the end of the couch and rubbed her eyes.
Tessa waved the others back as she scrambled to reach her daughter. “Okay, baby. Come this way.” She took the little hand in hers then led her away. In a few minutes, she returned carrying Heather in her arms, pressed against her chest.
“Where’s Handsome?” Heather mumbled through a yawn.
Handsome came up alongside Tessa. “I’m here.” Heather pushed back from her mother and offered a sleepy smile at the giant of a man. He tenderly touched her curls. “Go to sleep. Mommy needs her rest. Okay?”
She nodded then fell back against Tessa. “Okay,” she whispered.
Tessa tucked her under the covers on the couch then too
k a moment to gaze on her sweet face. She fussed with the covers on the boys before touching their heads with a kiss she placed on her fingertips. The feeling of love nearly overwhelmed her, remembering how she’d nearly been lost forever in a wild land, void of humanity and respect. If it hadn’t been for two dangerous men, she never would have returned to love and cherish her family.
“Asleep?” Chase whispered as Tessa and Handsome returned to the kitchen.
“Yes. Keep your voices down or all of them will be up. I don’t want them to know about any of this.” When they exchanged glances, Tessa understood there would be no more arguing or posturing, at least inside the house.
The lights over the stove and sink flickered back on, illuminating the kitchen with low light. She could feel Chase’s eyes on her as she moved to make coffee for everyone. Their relationship had suffered because of the things she’d done in Afghanistan. Overwhelmed at being in a war-torn country, she had been on the brink of breaking her vows to Robert, a good man who remained clueless concerning what she did for a living.
She pictured Chase all action and fireworks, where Robert was hot chocolate and a good romantic comedy movie. Until she’d been dragged kicking and screaming into Enigma, Robert had seemed like a rock star to her.
Things grew complicated as she transformed into an action junkie. She always survived by the seat of her pants, thanks to a bunch of sketchy agents promising they were doing good for the country. Robert would never understand the risks she took when it could jeopardize their family. Something needed to change. Should she leave Enigma and go back to a life where the most exciting thing she did was find a new toilet bowl cleaner for messy boys? Thankfully, until today, the children were not exposed to the things that really did go bump in the night.