Witness Protection

by Holly Copella

  The man standing in front of Bogart suddenly lunged forward, grabbed him by the shirt, and aimed the barrel of a gun between his eyes.

  “Here’s my identification,” the man snarled. “Either you tell me where she is or there will be some pain involved.”

  Bogart stared at the gun aimed at his forehead then met the man’s gaze only a foot from his face. He tensed slightly but managed a grin. “Well, since you were nice enough to give me some options, I’ll go with option number two.”

  The man stared at him and appeared bewildered by the comment. Bogart revealed a stun gun, hidden in his hand behind the pillow, and shoved it into the man’s crotch. The man jerked and jolted from the impulse sent through his sensitive area. The second man reached inside his jacket for his gun. Bogart grabbed the first man’s gun as he sank to the floor and shot the second man in the leg. As he fell to the floor, Bogart casually stood and shook his head with disgust.

  “I hate guns,” he scoffed while approaching the second man writhing on the floor while clutching his bleeding leg.

  Bogart kicked the gun from his reach. He squatted before the writhing man, took a deep breath, and scratched his temple with the barrel of the gun.

  “So,” he announced with a dreary sigh, “what am I supposed to do with the two of you?”

  †

  Jackie approached Othello sitting before the monitor while drying her hair with a towel that had seen better days. She looked over his shoulder and lowered the towel. He handed her a small stack of items, which included a license, passport, and other credentials, including a pilot’s license. He admired her now auburn hair.

  “Hmm, nice choice,” he remarked. “I’m a sucker for redheads.”

  She eyed the credit card then looked at him with concern. “Not to complain, but I don’t want to add credit card fraud to my newly found crime wave.”

  “Relax, it’s your money,” he announced. “I opened a debit account in your new name. If you get a hotel, you’re going to need a credit card. Cash equals suspicion. Spend wisely. You only have a thousand dollars on that card.” He handed her printed instructions and a cell phone. “Memorize your travel instructions then shred them over there.” He indicated his state-of-the-art shredding machine. “The cell phone is untraceable. I also went through your bag. The gun won’t float, so I removed it.”

  She gave him a sharp look about the gun comment but quickly dismissed it. She looked over the instructions on the paper. She was stunned by what was on the itinerary. She looked back at him with her mouth hanging open.

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  Othello grinned. “I’m a certified genius.”

  “You’re a certified something,” she muttered while marveling at her itinerary. She had no idea how Othello thought she’d pull off this little stunt.

  †

  Holden appeared exhausted early that morning as he entered his extremely tidy office with a cup of coffee in one hand and a file in another. There were several accommodations on the wall as well as framed photos of him with various influential people. The only homey presence in the otherwise all-business office was a twelve-inch zombie action figure on his desk. Agent Fields rushed in behind him and appeared moderately enthusiastic.

  “You’re going to love this,” Fields announced while grinning, proud of himself.

  Fields set his laptop down on Holden’s desk, carelessly knocking the zombie figure over while hastily doing so, and pressed a button on the laptop. Holden sat on the edge of his desk, casually returned the zombie to its correct position, and then watched the grainy security footage from Jackie’s house. Jackie, hiding beneath her hat, was seen entering her house with a strange man just behind her. Holden suddenly jumped up from the edge of his desk, spilling half his coffee, and stared at the computer screen with a stunned look that quickly turned enthusiastic.

  “I knew she was alive!” Holden shook spilled coffee from his hand and appeared interested at the monitor. “Look at the time that was taken. How did she get there so fast?”

  “Probably this guy,” Fields said and indicated Bogart on the screen while hitting pause. “Face recognition comes up Steve Turner, AKA Bogart, a grifter. One of the best.”

  Holden stared at the grainy image of the man and shook his head with amazement. “How would she even know someone like that? All of her known acquaintances are squeaky clean.”

  “You have to admit,” Fields announced and glanced at him, “it’s odd that she only has acquaintances and co-workers. A nice looking girl like that should have boyfriends lined around the corner and a ton of childhood friends.” Fields eyed Holden and tilted his head. “You said she had no visitors and asked no one be called. Just strange for someone her age.”

  “Her family moved around a lot when she was growing up,” Holden replied. “She probably didn’t have time to make many lasting friendships. I suspect she’s been a bit of a recluse since her father’s accident. According to her boss at Titan Air, she’s been putting all her free time into her commercial pilot’s license.” He looked back at the screen and studied Bogart’s image. “I know I didn’t have time for friends and relationships when I was establishing my position with the Bureau.”

  “Yeah, well, we’re not all robots like you,” Fields remarked with a soft laugh.

  Holden glared at him with disapproval. Fields maintained his devious smile then concentrated on the grainy footage displayed on his laptop.

  “She left in a black mustang with unregistered New York plates,” Fields remarked. “I put out a call on the car and plates, but she had a good few hours head start already.”

  “I’ve got to give her credit,” Holden announced. “She’s making one hell of an effort to disappear.”

  “Should I put the call out to pick her up?”

  “No, let the governor think she’s dead awhile longer. If the state police locate the car, tell them to call it in. I don’t want them attempting to confront her. She’s clever. I don’t want to give her the opportunity to disappear again.”

  “Ironically, only two hours after this footage was taken, two men were seen entering her house but not leaving. I believe they disabled the cameras upon their arrival. Shortly after, two men fitting their description were picked up only fifty miles from her house,” Fields informed him. “They were walking naked along the interstate with their wrists bound behind their backs. One man was shot in the leg.”

  “So you think this Bogart guy stayed behind and ran into these guys at her house sometime after she’d left?”

  “I believe so,” Fields replied. “If we could locate Bogart, we may be able to find out where she went.”

  “Good luck finding him. Guys like that know how to vanish without a trace.” Holden suddenly appeared curious and looked at his partner. “Is there an airport near her house?”

  “There’s a small field about an hour away,” he replied. “Major airport is about two hours.”

  “Let’s watch both just to be safe,” Holden announced and again played the grainy footage. He suddenly straightened and considered something he obviously hadn’t before. “Any private planes registered to her or her father?”

  “I’m pretty sure there’s one at the small airfield,” Fields announced and appeared to read Holden’s mind. “You said she’s a pilot, didn’t you?”

  Holden suddenly appeared alarmed. “Get someone over there to watch that plane and look for that car. If she gets away in a private plane, we may never locate her.”

  “I’m on it.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Richmond International Airport was packed and bustling during the late afternoon rush hour flights. Taxis, cars, and transfer vans packed the curbs at the massive passenger drop off and pick up area in front of the airport. Police assisted in keeping traffic flowing, although added police presence was noticed. The sheer number of people in and out of the airport at their busiest time was staggering. Jackie walked through the airport terminal in her freshly pressed co-p
ilot’s pantsuit uniform, hat, and airline security badge. Her official airline bag rolled behind her as she walked with a determined gait toward her plane. She saw several officers ahead of her, apparently looking for her, but she managed to act disinterested and didn’t even flinch as she passed.

  Jackie then caught a glimpse of Holden talking to one of the security guards while flashing her picture. Her heart pounded so hard, she thought the veins in her temples would explode. She felt herself panic slightly but kept her head high, focusing on her destination, and continued toward her gate without slowing. The attendant at the exterior door checked her paperwork and allowed her to pass through the secured, passenger entry door to the gangway leading to the awaiting plane. It wouldn’t be long before passengers were called to board the plane, and with a little luck, within the hour, she’d be far from the airport and all those interested in finding her. She couldn’t believe how nervous she was while walking the gangway to the plane. She felt at any minute Holden would come running after her, stopping her flight. As she boarded the turboprop regional airliner, she was immediately greeted by the pilot, a cheerful looking man in his late forties, and a fairly attractive flight attendant in her early thirties.

  “You must be new,” the captain announced cheerfully and hid the fact that he’d given her a quick once over. “I’m Captain Vincent Wells.”

  He extended his hand to her, which she immediately accepted while returning the smile.

  “Brianna Lesher,” she announced and released his hand. “I’ve only been with the company a few weeks.”

  “My first female co-pilot,” he announced a little too eagerly. “I’m honored.” Vincent suddenly grinned. “This flight just got more interesting.”

  “Down boy,” the flight attendant muttered while taking Jackie’s bag.

  The pilot laughed at the flight attendant’s joke, or was it jealousy she was displaying? The way she looked at Vincent told a different story. Jackie had heard stories of flight crew fraternizing while on extended layovers. She had to wonder if those stories were accurate. If so, it sounded like anything goes. Vincent suavely guided her into the flight deck. She was grateful it was a smaller, turboprop plane rather than a larger jet, but she couldn’t deny she felt a slight tinge of panic. She was suddenly uncertain for the first time about the flying aspect of her charade. She knew what she was doing, since she’d been training a long time for her commercial license. Still, she suddenly felt very anxious not having a senior pilot hovering over her shoulder giving endless instruction and criticism.

  As passengers started the boarding process, she felt even more anxious about flying the plane. For a fleeting moment, she actually considered bailing and turning herself in to Agent Falcone. Once they closed the flight deck door, the captain skillfully tended to his duties and turned surprisingly professional. Something clicked inside Jackie. All her fears slipped away, and she sank into her new role of co-pilot. She had to admit as they were taxiing down the runway, she never felt so alive. When she looked at the sky as the plane lifted off, she knew this was where she belonged. Flying was all she ever wanted to do.

  †

  As the passengers departed the small aircraft, Jackie, alongside Captain Vincent, thanked their passengers for flying their airline. It was an amazing feeling, and she now knew she was ready for commercial piloting. Once everyone had departed the plane, Jackie and the captain shook hands.

  “That was probably the most fun I’ve had on one of these flights,” Vincent announced cheerfully and seemed reluctant to release her hand. “Are you sure you don’t want to grab a bite to eat?” His smile conveyed possibly more than just dinner.

  The flight attendant overheard his invitation and gave him a scathing look that he didn’t see. Jackie saw it but it didn’t have any influence on her response.

  “Thanks but I’m meeting some friends.”

  “Well, I hope we get to work together again soon,” Captain Vincent announced cheerfully.

  “Yes, me too.”

  Jackie accepted her rolling bag from the flight attendant and headed onto the gangway. She was almost certain Captain Vincent was about to have his head handed to him by the jealous flight attendant.

  †

  The small, no-frills beach house sat on a remote section of Florida beachfront, which appeared rarely traveled. It wasn’t the best-kept beach, far from most of the tourist destinations, but it was private. It was a little after seven o’clock that evening when a taxi pulled up to the house. Jackie got out with her rolling bag containing her duffle bag, approached the house, and rang the bell. Only a moment passed before the door opened to reveal a woman in her mid-twenties, Shannon. Shannon smiled enthusiastically and hugged Jackie with giddy delight.

  “Jackie, it’s great to see you!” She took a step back and stared at her. “I can’t believe you’re really here!”

  “Trust me,” Jackie announced with a knowing smile, “it was a long journey.”

  As they entered the quaint house, a man in his late twenties, Wayne, appeared behind Shannon.

  “You must be Jackie,” he announced with a pleasant smile. “Shannon’s done nothing but talk about you since you called an hour ago to say you were in town.”

  They politely shook hands, and he immediately took her bag from her.

  “I’ll put this in the guestroom for you,” Wayne announced. “I’m sure you could use a drink.”

  “Yes,” Shannon announced gleefully. “I’ve made us a pitcher of Cosmos. They’re in the frig. We’ll sit on the deck and catch up on old times.”

  Jackie, Shannon, and Wayne were soon sitting on the deck with their drinks while enjoying the ocean in the evening setting. Jackie had to admit it was beautiful. She also felt relaxed for the first time in over a month. It seemed impossible that either interested party would know where to find her. She was nearly home free. Just one more day--and another Cosmo or two.

  “Shannon was so excited that you called,” Wayne announced while keeping close watch of her. “It’s not often I get to meet her college friends.”

  Shannon playfully frowned. “Probably because I dropped out after my first semester.”

  “I’m sorry to have called you on such short notice. There was a mix-up with my schedule, so now I have a long layover between flights. I remembered you lived near the airport and thought I’d take a chance catching you at home,” Jackie announced then gave them a concerned look. “I hope I’m not putting you out.”

  “No, of course not,” Shannon quickly interjected. “We’re happy to have you over, Jackie. I just wish you didn’t have to leave tomorrow afternoon.”

  “I’ll visit longer another time, I promise.” Jackie looked around the serenity of the secluded beach. “This is what you’ve always wanted,” she announced and looked back at her friend. “A handsome man and a house on the beach.”

  “The house is only a rental,” Shannon playfully pouted. “We can’t afford to buy a place like this, but the handsome man is 100% mine.”

  Jackie was happy Shannon was finally in a committed relationship. Her first and only semester at college was filled with countless men and endless parties. It was no wonder she dropped out. At the rate she was going, she was failing all her classes, and her grades reflected her party girl lifestyle. Jackie wasn’t sure what she thought about Wayne. Shannon and Wayne hadn’t been dating that long, if she recalled their last email only a few months ago. Wayne stared at her with a look that set her on edge. Most of Shannon’s boyfriends in college were womanizers. She was guessing Wayne was probably not the exception, but that wasn’t the vibe she was getting from him. There was something else behind his eyes. His constant staring made her uncomfortable and distrusting. Despite his attempt at dressing the part of a gentleman, she got the distinct impression he was a bit of a bad boy and would eventually break Shannon’s heart.

  Shannon raised her brows lustfully. “What about you? Any men in your life?”

  Jackie considered the irony of the qu
estion, held back her chuckle, and smiled. “Oh, there are one or two actively pursuing me at the moment.”

  “Gonna let one catch you this time?” Shannon teased.

  “Not if I can help it,” Jackie replied and hid her smile. “You know me, I like my freedom.”

  “You act like it’s going to kill you.”

  Jackie sharply eyed her and raised a brow. “You never know; it might.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  The beach was beautiful and peaceful for seven in the morning. Despite the early hour, it was possibly the latest Jackie had slept since her deadly encounter with the governor. She finally felt relaxed and free for the first time. It was a feeling she had taken for granted not so long ago. She would soon be at Casa d’Monroe, and the governor would be a quickly fading memory. Jackie walked along the beach, enjoying the sunshine and peacefulness of the secluded area. She removed Othello’s untraceable cell phone from her pocket and pressed several numbers. She placed the phone to her ear and barely heard the phone on the other end ring.

  “Jackie?” came the familiar voice.

  “How did you know?” she asked with surprise. “Othello said this phone was untraceable.”

  “Yeah, but he gave me the number, so I’d know when you called,” he replied from the other end. “Are you okay? Are you safe?”

  “Yes, I’m fine,” she replied and paused by some rocks. She looked out to the ocean and sighed. “Othello was great. His hide in plain sight theory worked perfectly.”

  “I’m glad to hear,” Monroe replied. “Othello’s a good man, but sometimes, he’s a little out there. Where are you?”

  “Florida.”

  There was a long pause. “You’re still in Florida? Why didn’t you go to my place on the island?”

  “My flight got in late, and I missed the last ferry out. I didn’t realize the last ferry left at six,” she informed him. “I thought it was seven.”

  “Only during the summer,” he replied. “After Labor Day, it’s six. The first morning ferry doesn’t leave until ten.”