“I need to know what this is all about.” Tessa poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Chase.
Sam, Zoric, and Handsome slipped out the back door, informing him they were going to have a chat with the prisoners in the shed. Carter and Vernon needed to get in out of the cold as well, so they were going to relieve them. “Conflict diamonds. I think.”
“I’m being followed because of conflict diamonds?”
“Not sure.” He took a sip of coffee then rubbed a spot on his chest.
Tessa had seen him do the gesture so often she almost forgot this time it might be because Handsome had hurt him. She stepped closer, pretending it was concern, knowing it was because his existence was magnetic. “Are you hurt? You keep rubbing your chest.” She longed to touch the spot, but he’d only move away. Enigma agents didn’t always like to be touched unexpectedly.
He took another sip then narrowed his eyes at her. “I’m good.” He stepped away to top off his cup. “Handsome doesn’t know his own strength.” His back was to her. “About the diamonds…”
“This seems a little odd to me, considering this is California and conflict diamonds usually are associated with African interests. The Kimberly Process has reduced much of the conflict trade, maybe as much as 90 percent. The United Nations data supports this.”
Chase rested his back against the counter, smiling.
“Why are you smiling? What’s so funny?”
“You. I love it when you morph into an academic and get incensed about the injustice in the world.” He chuckled then took a long drink of his coffee before peering over the edge of his cup at her, as if masking an emotion threatening to rise to the surface.
The love word took her by surprise. She nervously rubbed the side of her jeans while raising her chin, in what she hoped was a defiant pose. “Glad you find me amusing.”
“I find you a lot of things,” he offered as he stared at her with laser-like focus. “Amusing is only one part of you I—”
“Hey!” It was Vernon coming through the mudroom.
“Shhh!” Both Tessa and Chase held a finger to their mouths as they nodded toward the living room.
Vernon shrugged and offered a lopsided grin before whispering, “Sorry.” He spread his computer gadgets on the table and sat down to work.
Tessa shifted her attention back to Chase and dared approach him until she stood about a foot from his body. “You were saying?”
Chase set his cup down then folded his arms across his chest. He let his gaze caress her hair and face. His deep-brown eyes showed no emotion; only his high cheekbones tightened and released as he appeared to mull over what to say. When his eyes darted to Vernon then back to her, she knew the chance of an honest conversation about his feelings had evaporated.
“Yeah. Conflict diamonds. We got word someone at the UN might be on the take. In the last two years, four hundred fifty thousand carats have been funneled out of Africa. They’ve been difficult to trace.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“This is not my area of expertise, and you are all over geopolitical conflict issues.”
“Why haven’t you spoken to the State Department or, I don’t know, maybe the CIA about taking an interest?”
“Our Enigma benefactors are nervous. They don’t trust the government, and we don’t want to tip our hand. They aren’t big fans of the UN to begin with, so I couldn’t even bring in other geographers from the university.”
Tessa had learned early on wealthy business men throughout the world, mostly the United States and Canada, controlled the purse strings at Enigma. Even though the FBI, CIA, and a multitude of other government agencies knew of the allusive organization, none of them suspected it was privately funded, except for President Buck Austin. It had been his brainchild, and it didn’t take much to encourage others to foot the bill. The catch was the benefactors had no say. Other than being watchdogs to what they deemed a threat, their interaction with the group was nonexistent. What they received was justice, security, and the ability to continue propping up the economies of the world, therefore preventing it from falling into chaos.
The possibilities stacked up in her head as she toyed with the search avenues and scenario strings she’d follow. She envisioned a political domino game with all the pieces stacked perfectly straight until something tipped the very first piece.
She blinked away the thought to discover Chase staring at her again. “Thinking.”
The corner of his mouth lifted. “I know.”
“I still don’t understand how or why I was targeted, Chase, or why you guys rushed up here.”
Vernon clicked his tongue and showed her Handsome’s mug shot and criminal record on his computer screen. “Might want to read this before he gets back inside.” He stood up and offered her his chair. “Anything to eat?”
She pointed to the Crock-Pot smelling of overcooked beans. Easing into the chair, she propped her elbows on the edge of the table then read the report. Several times, she glanced up to see Chase watching her even as Vernon chatted in his ear and took a spoonful of beans.
A chill engulfed her as she continued to read one report then another about the man she’d allowed in to protect her and the children. She’d even gone into the dead of night through a blizzard to this high mountain cabin, trusting he was one of Enigma’s finest. But was there such a thing? She knew the kinds of things these people did for a living, and having a heavy conscience was not a job requirement.
They often joked she was their moral compass and how annoying it was at times. Their ideals were black and white. Hers were shades of gray with blurred lines leading to the belief that good trumped evil. But she’d come to realize it took people like Enigma to give good a chance.
Carter came into the kitchen and quickly removed his coat then joined Tessa. She was never easy about him standing so close. His reputation as a lady’s man and thrill seeker hadn’t helped him at NASA when serving as an astronaut. After getting the boot for his antics he fell in with Enigma; a perfect fit. But even so, she found him irresistible and couldn’t help but feel affected by his boyish charm.
He whispered in her ear, “What, no hello kiss or thanks for the rescue?”
Tessa reached up and patted his cheek. “Go away. I’m busy.”
He laid a hand on her shoulder for a moment, his way of showing she belonged. Even though he hit on a wide range of female types, he’d pretty much given up on her, thanks to Chase. He chuckled, and her gaze darted to Chase, his expression stone cold.
“How’s it going out back?” Chase asked as Carter joined him at the coffee pot.
“Oh, the usual. They resist. Zoric gets excited about cutting something and scares the hell out of them. Throw Sam and Goliath into the mix, and I wouldn’t want them sitting in my car unless they had a change of clothes.” He chuckled in his good-natured way then faked a punch at Vernon who dodged and fell against the counter, rattling some dishes.
“Shhh!” Tessa warned.
“Why am I always the good guy,” Carter mumbled as he picked up a metal toaster and peered at his reflection. After he gave himself a wink, he grinned at Tessa. “I still don’t know how you resist this.”
Tessa continued to read but uttered softly, “I’m not good enough for you, Buzz Lightyear.” She glanced up to see Carter elbow Chase, who pushed back.
Almost everyone tiptoed around Chase when it came to business, but not Carter. Life was one big opportunity to rub someone the wrong way. Sometimes Tessa enjoyed his cavalier attitude. It took the edge off many a serious situation.
Sam returned. She dusted off some flakes of snow from her long black hair pulled up in a ponytail. “Got word from the Highway Patrol. Filled them in on our situation. Said they’d be glad to take our prisoners into custody and transport them to Sacramento in the morning. On their way.”
“Good.”
“Not really. They already knew our location. No way I would give that information out, nor could the Highway Patrol ping off my p
hone. They don’t have the equipment in the field. It’s someone else. Better get ready.” Sam jerked her chin up and cast a disgruntled gaze down her narrow nose at her. “Get your gear, Betty Crocker. We need to move your kids. Now.”
Chapter 10
R obert Scott discovered his bags in his car when the FBI delivered him back to his hotel. He’d fallen asleep in their car so he couldn’t determine the distance from his hotel to the place of detainment. Maybe the feds had put something in his food or coffee to make him sleepy so he wouldn’t know.
Although the driver of the black SUV dressed like the other agent he’d met, there was more of a military demeanor about him with the broad shoulders and short haircut. The only words he spoke were to answer his occasional question.
Yes. No. Maybe. We’ll see. Hmm. Almost. Then repeat. His voice sounded raspy as if he weren’t used to talking. The guy riding shotgun stared out the windshield as if in some hypnotic state of mind. He also appeared former military, especially with a couple of days’ stubble on his face. All the feds he’d ever seen were impeccably groomed. After a while, Robert decided to lay his head back and doze.
The sudden jolt of braking and shifting the car into park snapped him to alert mode. He spotted his car instantly with the realization it had been moved to a more isolated area underground. It wasn’t even the same parking garage. No matter. In two minutes, he would put this nightmare behind him and figure out what was going on.
“Your bags are in the back seat, Mr. Scott. You’re gassed up and ready to go,” the driver said as he opened the driver’s side of the sedan.
“I need to pay my hotel bill.” Robert stepped back, planning to head for the elevator.
“Unnecessary,” the driver insisted as the guy who rode shotgun took an envelope from inside his suit coat and handed it to Robert. “All checked out.”
Robert stared down at the outstretched envelope for a few seconds before relieving him of it. He couldn’t decide if he should double-check the charges or trust them. One thing he didn’t do was make eye contact. Standing in the dim light of a parking garage added to the unsettled vibe he got from the two men. Both of them were a good three to four inches taller than him and outweighed him, he guessed, by twenty pounds of muscle.
“Okay then. Anything else?” Robert slid behind the wheel and reached to pull the door shut, but the driver remained planted firmly in the way. “Guess I need my keys,” he chuckled, knowing it sounded a little nervous.
“Yes. Of course.” The driver pointed to the console. “You’ll find them in there. Have a nice day, Mr. Scott.” He pushed the door shut, stepped back with his sidekick, and continued to stare at him.
Robert turned the key and powered down the window. “I neglected to ask Agent Martin about contacting Reeva’s company about her death.”
Both the men stood with their hands clasped in front of them, their faces buried in shadows.
“We’ll handle everything, Mr. Scott. No worries.”
“What will I tell my law firm about all—”
“Mr. Scott, you’ll tell them you had a very nice dinner with the lady and she promised to be in touch. Understand?”
Robert had opened his mouth to ask another question when the driver stepped closer and reached through the window to yank him so close he nearly touched the man’s nose.
“Keep your mouth shut, Mr. Scott. We’ll let you know if there is anything else we need from you. Go home and take care of that pretty wife of yours, play ball with the boys, and rock your baby girl to sleep. I’m sure you don’t want Tessa to know you were with another woman tonight.”
Robert felt his mouth go dry and sweat form under his arms. “No. No, I don’t.”
The driver released his collar then patted it back in place like a loving father before straightening his tall frame. “When you exit the garage, you’ll need to go right, Mr. Scott. Drive another three blocks, and I’m sure you’ll find your way from there.”
Robert chewed his bottom lip as he put the car in reverse. He probably drove a little too fast leaving the garage, but he didn’t want any more time with those two. Maybe he’d stop on the outskirts of the city to get more coffee to stay alert. It concerned him they knew his wife’s name and that he had three children. Should he expect the FBI to be able to find out such things, or was he being paranoid? Either way, he certainly didn’t want Tessa to know about Reeva. The whole situation appeared scandalous. He would never make partner at the law firm under such scrutiny.
He found an all-night coffee and donut shop once he’d reached the outskirts of Vallejo. Since it was a well-lit area and a number of cars were already parked near the door, he decided to stretch his legs. Before leaving the car, he grabbed his small shaving bag out of his suitcase and carried it inside with him, flinching at the bright lights.
He ordered two bear claws and a large vanilla cappuccino, found a booth by the plate-glass windows, and set his order number on the edge of the table. Taking a deep breath, he pulled a prescription bottle out of the shaving bag with the label Amoxicillin. His dentist had insisted he take the meds for some infection he found around a tooth scheduled to be pulled in a few days. Squeezing the lid off, he peered inside then dumped the contents into his hand. After he placed each pink pill back in the container, there remained four shiny things.
Diamonds.
~~~
Tessa let Handsome carry Heather to her car as the boys grumbled and plodded alongside. They didn’t comment on the others hiding in the shadows, a good sign she wouldn’t have to explain why five dangerous-looking people had joined them.
“Everything okay, Mom?” Sean Patrick yawned as he shivered against the cold.
“Yes, sweetheart. Handsome heard the highway would be open for a while and has offered to take us home.” Did she sound as nervous and terrified as she felt?
“How will he get back?” Daniel scooted to the middle of the back seat and buckled himself in. He helped Handsome figure out Heather’s car seat safety belts as his big brother squeezed in next to him.
“Not to worry, Daniel.” Handsome reached over, patted him on the head, and smiled. “A couple of friends will meet me in Grass Valley. I don’t have to work today, so there’s no rush to get back.” He patted Heather on the cheek and gave her a wink.
Daniel’s yawned caused a chain reaction. By the time the car pulled out onto the side road, that required four-wheel drive, the children were once again sleeping.
Tessa rested her head back for only a second to collect her thoughts before speaking. “Not to second-guess you, Handsome, but are you sure about this road being safe?”
“Sounds like a second-guess.” His voice held the excitement of someone watching butter melt. “Captain Hunter would not let me take you or the children if he thought you wouldn’t be safe with me.”
Tessa closed her eyes, fighting sleep. “I know,” she whispered. “Sorry. I’m running on fumes. I can’t think straight.” This time she couldn’t hide the quiver in her voice.
“So, is there something going on between you and—”
“Absolutely not,” she moaned. “Nothing going on with anybody. The captain thinks I’m inept and wouldn’t be able to find my way out of a paper bag.”
He chuckled.
Tessa sat up straight and frowned at her driver. “Chase tends to be a little overprotective at times. I think he believes if he doesn’t treat me like a baby sister, I’ll screw up his life and put the team in danger.”
“A man doesn’t stare at his baby sister like he stares at you.” Handsome stopped the car and switched off the engine. “We wait here. If those guys are coming, we’ll be hidden. Twenty minutes at most. Then we’ll go.”
Tessa released her seat belt and twisted around to throw an afghan over the children. The early morning hours remained cold. Snow periodically fell like clouds then cleared to delicate flakes. They were snug in their coats, hats, and mittens, so she believed they would stay warm until they could start the car
again. Fear for her children gave her no choice but to trust this man. Her heart pounded in her ears.
“There,” Handsome whispered as headlights appeared in the distance. Their white car blended with the snow and was parked far enough back into the trees, there didn’t seem to be any risk of being discovered. “It’s a Highway Patrol car. Probably the guys Sam warned us about.”
“What if they were legit?”
“What if they weren’t?” Tessa watched him track the passing vehicle then turned to her. “You second-guessing her, too?”
“I’ve always found it healthier to second-guess Samantha Cordova. She would like nothing better than to get rid of me.”
“She’s a piece of work, all right. Don’t trust her, either. Somebody who is that beautiful and carries a gun means trouble.”
“I know! Right? I knew you and I had something in common.” Tessa wanted to believe her comment, but it came out like a half-hearted compliment. “Tell me. How do you know these guys? Were you recruited in college or the military?” He didn’t seem like the college type and didn’t act disciplined enough to be military. Whatever had brought them together turned out badly, it seemed. The CIA popped into the rational side of her brain, but she decided not to ask such a direct question. He’d only lie.
Handsome gripped the steering wheel. “Recruited? More like blackmailed. I was doing a little freelance work in Africa a few years back for some diamond brokers. Wanted me to get their goods past the UN sanctions so they could increase their profits.”
“Conflict diamonds,” she whispered.
“Some thought so. I believed they were greedy and wanted to bypass a process targeting their countries for possible conflict diamonds. After all, there were outbreaks of fighting in those areas. It wasn’t like they cared who was fighting who or even the reason. They only wanted the profits. It might surprise you to know there are actually people who will pay top dollar for conflict diamonds.”
“Why on earth would they want conflict diamonds knowing the pain and suffering they inflicted?”
The Enigma Series Boxed Set Page 109
