The Enigma Series Boxed Set

by Tierney James

  He ignored her question. “Handsome is in a mood from being detained all day at the warehouse.”

  “Can you blame him?” Tessa took a peek through the large plate-glass windows and spotted the man already seated at a table. “The warehouse is not the most accommodating place.”

  “It’s not meant to be a Holiday Inn, Tess.”

  She wrinkled her nose at him and grinned. “Did you put him to work?”

  “No. He binge-watched reruns of Law and Order all afternoon.”

  “Poor baby,” she cooed as she waved to Handsome inside.

  “Are you talking about me or him?” Chase grinned.

  “I’m guessing you two won’t be far away?” She stepped forward as Vernon opened the door for her.

  Chase instituted the security scan he always did before entering or exiting a building. “Have a nice evening. You’ve got two hours.”

  Entering the Gold Rush, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror behind the restored bar. The dim lighting and flickering candlelight hinted she was younger than thirty-seven. The conservative red dress hugged her body, creating a sexier appearance than she’d meant to portray. When she moved toward Handsome, he rose slowly without trying to hide his examination of her form. A wave of caution and embarrassment washed over her as she draped her black jacket over the back of the chair. When she pulled it out, he laid a hand on her arm.

  “We’re moving,” he said, lifting her coat off the chair.

  Tessa hesitated, stealing a glance out the window into the darkness, but couldn’t see her friends or any indication of what she should do next. All this cloak-and-dagger stuff remained confusing to her country-girl mentality. She followed him.

  He stopped at a table near the kitchen door. She slipped into the chair he held for her, a little surprised at his manners. Before he joined her, Handsome ran his fingers across her coat and extended his hand for her purse which he examined for bugs. He gave a nod.

  “I didn’t wear a wire of any kind, Handsome.”

  “Our table at the window had several listening devices.”

  She chuckled, thinking of Chase. “The captain thinks of everything.”

  “I’ve already ordered for us.”

  “Fine.” She cocked her head and eyed him with new appreciation. “You are living up to your name tonight, Handsome.”

  “Is flattery part of your training?” he said coolly.

  “I’m sure it should be, but Sam isn’t very good at it, so I do what comes naturally.”

  He smiled. “What do you want to know?’ He reared back and folded his hands in his lap as a waiter poured each of them a glass of wine.

  Tessa didn’t drink alcohol so she took a sip of her water as the waiter disappeared. “What do you know about the Kifaru?”

  His eyes widened as he tilted his head to stare at her. “It is Swahili for black rhino.”

  “I know what the word means. But what is it?”

  He chewed on his bottom lip then gulped down his wine, appearing uneasy for the first time since they’d met. “A diamond.”

  “And the significance?”

  “The Kifaru is the second largest black diamond ever found in Botswana. Some say when it is held up to the light, the image of a rhinoceros can be seen. It was discovered by a man of the Twsana tribe many years ago and passed down to his son and then his son.”

  “I’m assuming it is a polished diamond, then. How were these men able to keep it from the mining company?”

  “At the time, there was no mining company. The man who found it achieved great success and even became part of the new government of Botswana. With the help of his son, they were able to unite the people of Botswana and live a peaceful life. The diamond in their possession was said to hold great power and luck.”

  “What happened to it?” Tessa quieted as the waiter placed a salad in front of her.

  Handsome sprinkled too much salt on his romaine. “It was given to a son who returned to their village. He was a bright, charismatic man who became very popular in the tourist industry and with local villagers who often asked his advice. Because he was also an engineer, he became a valued partner in digging wells, establishing a school, securing small loans for women to set up their own micro-businesses.”

  “That doesn’t sound like the place I’ve been researching. What went wrong?”

  “The rich mine owners and investors created a movement to take more control of the government so they could retain more of their profits. They were not happy with the tax code or how revenues were distributed for domestic projects like schools and medical clinics, infrastructure and communication systems. Progress brings the attention of others. They feared the rumors of corruption might bring condemnation and even interference. Such interest might cause them to lose control of what rightly belonged to the people of Botswana.”

  Tessa considered what he’d said. “I came across a story about a village burned down thirty-seven years ago by some unhappy members of a tribal army patrolling the bush in search of poachers. Apparently, the introduction of two hundred rhinos dwindled down to five in a few short years. This paralleled the time when the authorities went in to make some arrests.”

  “Yes. The story given to the press suggested as much. A large smuggling ring of illegal rhino horns, even some elephant ivory, was collected as proof and put on display in Gaborone. The Camp Kubu director stumbled across the operation and put out a call to park service law officers earlier. Before help arrived, the camp and its guests were also attacked and slaughtered by the very villagers he employed. Eight tourists died, as did any possibility of future revenue from free-spending adventure seekers.”

  “And the economic stability of a peaceful people was gone.”

  “Exactly.” His dark eyes were luminous in the dim restaurant, hands closed into fists on the tabletop. “One by one, villages suffered the consequences when tourism dried up from fear of unrest. When the mining companies reopened, and Baboloki in power, things settled down.”

  “And the Kifaru diamond, how does it matter here?” Tessa handed the waiter her salad plate and accepted the sizzling steak and mixed vegetables. She waited patiently as Handsome cut into his T-bone then nodded at the waiter who departed.

  “The Kifaru was believed to have been stolen that day by some of the so-called militia in charge of catching poachers. It has never been recovered.”

  “I don’t understand how the Kifaru diamond could possibly change anything in Botswana.” Tessa took another bite of steak before continuing. “As long as there is a dictator in power and others in control of the economic growth, there is little anyone can do. The president does pretty well at keeping things off the radar.”

  He didn’t respond right away. The steak took precedence over deeper discussions. Tessa tried to be patient as she enjoyed her well-done steak. For a few minutes, she drowned in the flavors of a meal prepared by someone who must have been a genius. Chewing slowly, Handsome often gazed at her with amusement, almost taunting her to beg for more information until he dabbed at his mouth with the linen napkin and smiled.

  “The Kifaru was said to pass to the one who would bring back dignity to the Botswana people. Freedom would be restored, and the truth would be revealed.”

  “What truth?”

  Handsome stabbed the last bite of his steak and shoved it into his wide mouth, chewing slowly, as if savoring the moment before speaking. “The man called John was the grandson of the one who first found the Kifaru and managed to hide the diamond before the militia could find it. There was a doctor in Camp Kubu who did not die in the attack.”

  “There is no mention of a survivor. All were brutally murdered.” Tessa waved off the dessert menu and hushed as the waiter focused on her guest. He pointed to a cream-filled cake. The server declared it a good choice and asked if they’d like coffee. Tessa decided on decaf, but Handsome declined.

  When they were once again alone, she continued. “There were no eye witnesses who surviv
ed.”

  He drained his wineglass again then rubbed his chest. “This has been all worthwhile: dinner with you, Enigma picking up the tab, candlelight, soft music—”

  “Handsome, are you saying someone survived the massacre?” she whispered.

  “So it would seem.” He closed his eyes and for a second, Tessa thought he might doze off after eating so much rich food. “The Kifaru, when returned to the people of Botswana, would give them courage to stand up against the dictator and take back the freedoms they’ve lost over the years. The outside world would again want to invest in the future of this amazing country.”

  “A piece of glorified carbon can’t lead a country to freedom or success.”

  “I agree. But tradition”—he shrugged— “or legend says the one who possesses it can. These people carry their magic in their stories passed around cooking fires, hunts, and even mining. They pole their mokoros through the Okavango and wonder how long it will be before the government dams up their beautiful delta and forces them to live in cities where the old ways will be lost. They need to believe someone of honor will give them courage and hope again.”

  “Unfortunately, such a day may never come unless the Kifaru is found.”

  Handsome smiled with delight. “I have found it.”

  ~~~

  “I don’t hear anything, Chase.” Vernon tapped his earwig. “You?”

  Chase rose from the bistro table after throwing a five-dollar tip down. “Let’s check on them.”

  “Did Tessa know you bugged the table?” Vernon slipped on his windbreaker. The night had become chilly after an earlier warm-up.

  They strode across the street at a quick pace. “No. I figured Handsome would expect it so I bugged several other tables he might choose. By the kitchen was my best guess.”

  “I couldn’t hear much because of all the noise.”

  “And that is why Tessa’s pearl earrings are the only thing we really needed.” He pushed through the door and stared around the dining area. “Guess they needed some adjustment because I only got about every other word.”

  “So, where is she?” Vernon moved toward the back where a waiter disappeared through swinging doors to the kitchen. “There.” He pointed.

  The two Enigma agents inspected the area in every direction. Chase lifted the leather sleeve with the bill. When he opened it, two pearl earrings fell to the white linen tablecloth.

  Both men took a nonchalant scan of the dining room then focused on the swinging door as a waiter barged through only to snatch the leather sleeve from Chase’s hand.

  “Can I help you?”

  “The couple who sat here. Where did they go?” Chase tried to keep from sounding irritated as he spoke through gritted teeth. He tilted his chin up and scowled down his narrow nose and his eyes became hooded.

  The waiter glanced at the signed bill and generous tip then let a smile spread across his thin lips. “Out the back. Handed me a couple more hundreds to show them the way out the back.” He waved the leather sleeve. “Didn’t expect another tip,” he chuckled. “The guy must be loaded. No wonder he had a babe on his arm.

  Chase felt the familiar flutter of chest pain he always experienced when Tessa got under his skin. He rubbed his chest in a slow circular motion. “The babe. Did she appear upset?”

  “No.” He watched Chase slip the earrings into his hip pocket. “Is there a problem?”

  Chase tilted his head toward the front door, and Vernon moved to leave. “Show me where they went.”

  “Got another hundred?” The waiter grinned as his eyebrow arched over one eye.

  When he pushed his denim jacket back to reveal his weapon, Chase’s glare could have melted a piece of steel. The waiter sobered. “This way.”

  The waiter hustled through the kitchen, drawing concerned glances as Chase stayed on his heels. Pointing to the exit door, he stepped aside for the agent to push through. Once outside, Chase pulled his weapon and searched the area.

  “Boss?” Vernon joined him from the street access. “No sign of them.”

  “Dead end here. Must have slipped out when we went in the front.”

  “Why would Tessa go with him?” Vernon followed Chase to the street.

  “Good question.” Chase’s reputation for short answers with little or no real explanation drove many at Enigma to distraction. His team had learned a long time ago to go with the flow. “Maybe they went to get her rental.”

  They picked up the pace, entering the parking area. Vernon pointed to where the car should have been. “That’s where we parked. They’ve come and gone.”

  “I should have never left them alone.” Chase’s phone vibrated on the inside of his jacket pocket. “Talk to me.” He recognized Tessa’s number.

  “I’m fine,” she whispered.

  “And Handsome?” Both men trotted to their van marked with a marijuana leaf on the side.

  “I’m at the airport. Come get me. I want to go to my apartment. I’ll wait out front.”

  “On my way.” Chase steered the van back toward the interstate. At least they were in a public place. Maybe he planned to fly out on the first available flight. “Is Handsome with you?”

  “Yes. Chase, I’m sorry. I’ll explain later.”

  “I trust you, Tess.” He fought off a grin, knowing to admit such a thing was like taking a swig of lighter fluid. “We’ve got all night.” A carnal thought raced through his mind for only a second before he shook if off and added, “Be there soon.”

  They drove only a few miles out of town when Vernon broke the silence.

  “Hmm, Boss? We have a problem. Tessa isn’t at the airport. She lied to us.”

  Chapter 18

  C hase alerted the authorities at transportation hubs from Sacramento to San Francisco about the possibility of a dangerous black man with a female hostage. He tried to contact FBI Special Agent Martin, hoping his judgment, common sense, and contacts could put an end to this nightmare but came up empty. Martin didn’t pick up. Chances of Handsome planning ahead remained high.

  Vernon sat in the van, fiddling with one of his computer toys, irking Chase. His youngest agent showed little concern about Tessa. “What the hell are you doing? Playing Clash of Clans again?”

  “Nope. Following Mrs. Scott in her rental car.” He smiled over at Chase. “You didn’t think I wouldn’t tag her vehicle, did you? I’m offended.” He rotated the computer screen toward his boss. “She’s headed back up I-80. Maybe they’ll stop at Grass Valley on the way.”

  “I’m sure if she needed anything, she stopped at the apartment to get it, but I wouldn’t bet on it. He’ll assume we have her place watched. He’s putting as many miles between us as possible. Damn. Tessa attracts trouble like a moth to flame.” He pulled out into traffic with a screech of tires.

  ~~~

  “Are you afraid?” The deep voice cut through the silence, startling Tessa so she jumped.

  “Yes. I am.” She faced the window. “Couldn’t this have waited until morning?” She wiped condensation from the glass with a bare hand. “I’m not dressed for the mountains. Please, Handsome, take me home. I’ve changed my mind. I didn’t realize you’d hidden the Kifaru diamond at Tahoe.” Tessa could feel her resolve crumbling with each mile. The spotty snow appeared along the highway in patches as the road wound gently upward.

  “I will not harm you. Didn’t I prove it when you needed me a few days ago?”

  “I want to go home,” she pleaded. “You know Enigma will come after you. This time, they’ll come as…”

  “Killers? Because they are all killers. Why are you with them? Is it because Chase is your lover?” Handsome took his eyes off the road to glance over at her.

  “We are not lovers. We could be a little too close, but I am married. We do not want to cross any lines of impropriety.” Tessa pulled out her seat belt to adjust the tightness. “Or, at least I don’t,” she murmured.

  “If you keep spending so much time with him, there will be trouble.
He will ruin your perfect family, bring you heartache and loneliness. A man like Chase Hunter will never settle down. Do you want to—”

  “You know this is really none of your business. Take me home this instant. There is an exit up ahead with some services. Let me out there. Keep your diamond.”

  Handsome took the exit as he slowed down. Puffy, dry snowflakes danced across the window. He pulled into a truck stop then switched off the engine before twisting to face her. “I never meant to frighten you. I like you and your children. They are good kids. You are a good woman and have nothing to fear. I believe what you say about your boss. But I need your help. We go get the diamond tonight and then you can call Enigma to come for you.”

  “I still don’t know how I can help you.” Tessa stared out the windshield after adjusting the heat. “My kids need me.”

  “I was going to give you the Kifaru for safekeeping.” He smiled as he canceled her attempt at increasing the heat.

  “Me! Why me?”

  “Because people are trying to find it, and someone has told them I have it. Those men were searching for you the other day because Daniel opened some kind of window. With your husband involved and a digital footprint leading to your home, it wasn’t hard to connect the dots. They couldn’t know it was a kid who found them. Once they found out who I was, we were all in trouble. One of them recognized me. Thanks to your quick thinking at cutting their tires, it gave me enough time to shut things down and slip away. Then I got the call you were in trouble. You owe me.”

  “You didn’t have to come,” she snapped. “No one would have been the wiser.”

  “You had kids with you. I couldn’t let anything happen to innocent kids.”

  Tessa grinned as she faced him. “Turns out one of them wasn’t so innocent.” He grabbed her hand when she tried to adjust the heat again. His grip remained firm rather than threatening.

  “The Kifaru needs to be returned to its rightful owner so Botswana can be rid of Baboloki. His investors want to dam the Okavango Delta to generate energy. It would destroy some of the last pure water of Africa, not to mention the diverse animal species. People who have never known anything but the delta and Kalahari Desert would be displaced to cities they know nothing of.”