Second Chances (Athena Group Novel Book 1)

by C. W. Stokes

  Liz looked at Tabby and Jo, “I want the two of you to go to New York and make contact with Douglas Oleg. How you make contact I'll leave up to you. Shelby make sure they have all the equipment that they’ll need to get the evidence necessary for an indictment. Max, does he know what you look like?”

  “Yes, but we can send Ross McCade up with Tabby and Jo.”

  “Ok, let’s coordinate what we are going to do to help find Patricia Young. Shelby how much surveillance can you do remotely?”

  “I’ve tapped into his security system, but there is a room in the back of the club that I haven’t been able to access as of yet.” Pulling up the floor plans to the club she pointed to an office in the back of the building.

  “Jo you locate the room and find your way in. Tabby I want you to go in and locate Oleg and get close to him. Shelby can watch your back while Jo is locating the room. When she finds it Tabby, you are to steer clear of Oleg. I mean it Tabby. I’m sending both of you up there for a reason. You work as a team. Agent McCade can take up at the bar to observe the lounge area.” Liz emphasized this as Tabby, and Jo both had a habit of acting before they thought.

  “I got it Liz.” Tabby mumbled and looked at Jo who nodded.

  Shelby spoke, “I'll provide each of you with listening devices to place throughout the club. Jo once you gain entrance to the office; I have a small camera that you can place anywhere in the office. No matter where you put the device it'll show the entire perimeter and judging from the schematics of the building that room can’t be very big.”

  John speaking to Tabby and Jo, “Ross will be going with you two, but he is going only as an official so that he can positively identify Patricia Young when she is found.”

  Liz stood “Good; we’ll get everything organized and have a jet ready to go by this evening. I want to make sure that we get in there as quickly as possible. John, do you have anything you want to add?” She turned to John with a questioning look.

  “No, as always you seem to have everything under control. Max, I'll make sure that Ross has the clearance to work with Liz and her team.”

  Liz turned “Tabby and Jo come with me down to the basement, and we will get your gear together. Shelby set up normal surveillance on Douglas Oleg. We can all meet back here this afternoon for one last briefing before Tabby, Jo and Ross leave for New York.”

  Shelby stood and waited for Max to follow her, but he paused, “I need to talk to John for a minute, but I’ll be up as soon as I’m done.” She nodded and walked out of the office.

  Max watched her leave then turns to John. “Are you sure about getting them involved in this?” he asked.

  “Max this is the one thing I am sure about. Come with me.” He followed John out of the conference room and across the lobby. Liz was waiting for them by the security desk. She led them over to the opposite side of the elevators to a hidden door in the marble wall. Liz placed her palm against a glass plate and the marble door pushed in and slid open. Behind the door was an elevator opening awaiting their entrance for them to descend down under the TAG complex.

  When the elevator stopped, the doors opened to a long hallway with several doors. They walked down the hall to the last door on the left. Liz entered a code into the keypad. When the door opened, light illuminated the room in front of them. What Max saw made his jaw drop. It felt as if he had walked into a Victoria Secret store. There in front of him was an array of corsets and other garments. He looked over at John who didn't seem surprised by what he saw.

  Liz stopped and turned to him. “Max I’m aware that this isn't conventional to what you know, however, what you see in front of you is state of the art protection that I provide to all the members of my team. Each corset that you see is designed out of Kevlar material and lined with a microscopic titanium chain maille that will not only protect the wearer from a bullet but from being stabbed during hand to hand combat. It covers all major organs in the body. With the exception of a kill shot straight to the head, this is the best protection that I can provide to the members of The Athena Group. No one outside of our group knows anything about this. Each corset is designed based on the assignment that they will undertake.” She stopped for a moment to let him take in everything that she said.

  Max couldn’t help but gape at her, but he was impressed. He watched as Tabby and Jo walked over as each picked up a corset out of their displays and underneath the displays were two sets of drawers. They each opened a drawer and inside were several types of weapons. He saw several different caliber Glock and Sig Sauer hand guns as well as different types of knives. The weapons ranged from hand guns and assault rifles to switch blades and scabbards. John walked over to him. “Impressive, isn’t it?” he asked as he smacked him on the back.

  “Yes, I have to say it is. How long have you known about this?” Max asked.

  “I’ve known about it from the conception of TAG.” He smirked with almost a sad smile.

  “John, how long have you known Liz?”

  “I’ve known Liz for a long time.” he said as he looked at her with longing.

  Once Tabby and Jo were finished packing their weapons and armory, they walked out of the room. Max could only follow. He was intrigued by what he saw, and as they walked back down the hall towards the elevator, he noticed several other doors along the hall and wondered what they hid behind them.

  They arrived back at the lobby, and Liz gave Tabby and Jo their final instructions before they left to go upstairs to finish preparing for their trip. Liz told John that they would meet him at the airport this evening. Everyone went their separate ways, and Max went off to find Shelby.

  Chapter Fifteen

  He found her sitting at the controls of her computers. He took a moment to look at her and saw that she in her comfort zone here. He could definitely tell this was her space with all of the computers and monitors. Her hair was twisted up in place with a pencil exposing her creamy neck. Her fingers were moving, lithely across the keyboard as she worked. Looking at the monitors he saw some images that meant absolutely nothing to him. He could tell that it was some kind of coding, but he didn’t know what it was. He saw the monitors that held the cameras for TAG and stopped when he saw the apartment he was staying in on the screen and realized that it appeared that there was no part of the complex that wasn’t under surveillance.

  “Shelby! What the hell is that?” He demanded, pointing to the screens.

  She whirled around when she heard him yell. She hadn’t heard him enter, which wasn’t like her. She always knew when someone entered her domain. She followed his gaze and realized that he saw the cameras on her floor and the horrified look on his face. Well crap! He knows that there are camera’s on all the floors.

  “Max it’s not what it looks like. We have cameras on all the floors with the exception of the sixth and seventh floor which belong to Liz. There are cameras in every apartment and in each room. However, dependent upon how your card key is programmed, those cameras deactivate when you enter your room. Your card has been programmed so that when you enter the apartment the cameras turn off.” He looked at her skeptically.

  “Why didn’t you tell me there were cameras everywhere?” he asked accusingly.

  “Max I don’t tell anyone about my security. It’s not smart for me to be forthcoming with the information. You should know that, and I am responsible for not only the computer network, but for the security system within TAG of which I take very seriously.” She couldn’t help but raise her chin at him in defiance.

  “You’re right Shelby.” Raking his fingers through his hair as he let out a sigh. “It just surprised me when I walked in and saw the apartment up on the screen. I was afraid that yesterday afternoons distraction had been recorded.”

  She blushed momentarily, “No Max, they weren’t. Trust me when I say that isn’t something I want on video.”

  “Oh, is that so? I think that watching it would be an enjoyable experience.” He winked when he sat down in the chair reaching up he
ran his fingertip down the center of her nose.

  She stared at him a moment, “Max, what you are doing to me? You distract me whenever you are around. I’m the one that is always so level headed, but you enter the room and it all goes haywire.” Waving her hands around her head in a helicopter motion. “I just don’t understand. Give me computers and security systems, and I’m in my element, but I have no idea what to do with you.” Her eyes were wide with self-doubt.

  Max pulled her chair so that her knees rested between his legs. “Shelby, I’m sorry I disappeared so long ago. Please, believe me when I say I had no choice.” He tipped her chin up and looked deep into her eyes.

  She wanted to forget where they were, their past and what they were supposed to be doing, but she couldn’t. Clearing her throat she pushed her chair back over to the console and pulled up the information on Douglas Oleg. Max moved closer to her in his chair.

  “Tell me Shelby, do you have a corset that you wear?”

  She blinked at him for a moment. “Yes Max, I do. We’re all required to wear them when we’re on an assignment. The ones you saw downstairs are limited to specific assignments. Since I’m usually working in here, mine is either here or upstairs.” She cocked her head as she watched him think about that bit of information for a minute. Oh the war she saw going on in his eye,

  She knew he was turned on, but at the same time disturbed. What man wouldn’t have mixed feelings about a garment that most women wear to entice a man, but is used as body armor?

  She giggled. She smacked her hand against her mouth to stifle the giggle. She couldn’t help it, but he looked lost.

  “Find something amusing, Shelby?” His brows furrowed.

  “I’m sorry Max. It’s just so funny to see you try to decide whether or not you should be turned on by the corset or not.” She was on the verge of a full blown laugh.

  “Oh Shelby, make no mistake, I’m definitely turned on and as I recall there are consequences to laughing at people Shelby.”

  Her laugh died on her lips as she watched his fingers tap his chin as he was thinking. She remembered his statement from the beach. Oh no, she was in trouble. She already looked forward to the next time she saw him, but she was in definite danger here. What did they have in their arsenal to protect her heart? Nothing, and she was in deep, deep trouble. She had to get this under control and back to business.

  Max leaned back in his chair and asked, “What exactly is The Athena Group, Shelby?”

  She turned her head to him and could see that he was serious. She wanted to make sure that he wasn't trying to demean the idea of the group. Hesitating, but figured since Liz had allowed him into the basement it was alright to tell him.

  “No one in the bureau knows about The Athena Group with the exception of a few. Liz is an ex bureau employee that started the group after leaving under circumstances of which I don’t even know.” She watched him to gage his reaction.

  “What the outside world thinks they know about the organization is what Liz wants them to believe. On the outside, The Athena Group operates as a corporate crisis management service in which we offer criminal background, financial, marital and any other type of checks that our clients require before making an offer to a potential merger. Few know what The Athena Group really does, and few know what we look like outside of our normal black attire. When we are on assignment, Liz requires that we dress in a certain manner. This allows a sort of anonymity as well as protection when we are working. We each dress in all black which consists of a blazer, with a mock knit turtleneck and slacks. We have specialized boots fastened with an extra place to holster a knife, gun, or chemical spray and under our jackets we each wear our corsets. Each corset is equipped with a holster for our standard Sig and pouches for extra clips. We also have two Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting knives fastened to the back with quick release snaps for easy access. Our members come from all backgrounds. Anywhere from military trained to those that resigned from the bureau. Each member has a specialty and you already know mine is technology, Alex is our resident law expert, Jo is mechanical and Tabby’s is well let’s just say a jack of all trades.” She paused seeing the glazed look on his face.

  “One thing that I want to make clear is that you don't want to cross any one of us, and we are fiercely loyal to each other and to our clients.” she quipped.

  Max rubbed his hands across his face and stared back at her. “Shelby, I don’t know what to say. I had no idea that a group like this existed. I mean I’m familiar with black ops groups, but this is something else.”

  “I guess it’s good that you have a front row seat to watch what happens then.” She turned back to her console and dismissed him. She turned back around and said, “Look Max; I know it’s not conventional, and it’s certainly not part of the good old boy system, but what we do allows us to get into areas that normal law enforcement can’t or won’t. Like now, why do you think John came to TAG for help? As you’ll see Tabby and Jo will be able to get into the club and work undercover without fear of being associated with any government or law enforcement agencies. If for any reason someone pulls any type of check on them, they will be linked back as employees of a crisis management service. That’s it.”

  Max didn’t know what to say to her, and he had obviously offended her. “Shelby, I didn’t mean to imply that TAG wasn't capable. It’s just a lot for someone to absorb, especially someone who has spent most of his life in the bureau. I'll keep an open mind, and I’ll say that I’m beyond impressed with the organization.” He was smiling at her.

  She found herself unable to stay mad at him. “We’ve worked really hard to establish TAG and its reputation. The fact that Liz allowed you to go downstairs says a lot about you. Liz doesn’t trust easily.”

  “I’m guessing you saw me down in the basement from one of your monitors?” His smile cracked open even bigger.

  She blushed again. “Yes, I saw you go down with everyone else. I keep an eye on everyone and everything in TAG. I’m big brother, so to speak.” One of the monitors that displayed Hawks activities and his associates began to flash. He was getting out of his car in front of TAG. What was he doing here? Was Liz expecting him? Damn, it was almost time for them to leave for the airport. She had to notify Liz.

  He felt her tense when she saw the man on the screen and knew that it was Hawk, but was surprised by Shelby’s reaction to him. She clearly didn’t like him and quite frankly he was glad she didn’t. He continued to watch as she called Liz to inform her that Hawk was walking into the front door of TAG.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Shelby, is everything ready for this evening?” Liz asked as she answered the phone.

  “Yes, were you expecting Roger this evening?” She watched as Hawk entered the building.

  “No, why?” she asked skeptically

  “He’s walking in the front door right now.”

  “Take Max and go out the back door. Go to the airport and make sure that everyone is ready and headed to New York. I’ll stay here and take care of Roger.” She hung up, turned to Max and grabbed his hands.

  “Come on Max, change of plans.” She closed down all the monitors.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Liz wasn’t expecting Roger, so we’re going to take everyone to the airport and she is going to find out why he’s paying an impromptu visit. She doesn’t like unexpected visits from him.”

  That piqued his curiosity. “Why doesn’t she like him showing up?”

  “Roger is her biggest client, but she likes to keep him under control. He feels that the world should heel whenever he calls and Liz has never been one to be subservient to anyone so she keeps the control, but he doesn’t like it. He also knows that we’re good at what we do and because of the control that Liz maintains he trusts our group explicitly.” She explained as they went up to her apartment.

  Amanda was in the living room playing video games when they walked through the door. Hoping to distract them, Shelby walked over and
gave Amanda a hug and kissed her on the cheek. "You remember Max? We are helping him with a case, and I have to go to the airport this evening."

  Amanda looking suspiciously at him cocked her head. “Hello.”

  Max nodded “Hello.” He wasn’t quite sure what to say. Any doubt he may have had before was all gone. Looking at her, he saw the deep blue of her eyes and the slight curl to her hair that she had pulled up. Finally the one irrefutable evidence that she was his was the birth mark on the side of her neck. It was a small brown mark in the shape of a teardrop. The majority of his family members had it including him.

  Shelby had to break the silent bond that was building between them. “Amanda, go ahead and order something for dinner this evening if you’d like. Just send me a text with the place you want to order from, and I’ll let the security desk know, ok?”

  “OK mom, is everything alright?” Amanda asked.

  “Yes Amanda, it is.” She smiled back at her daughter. Turning to go into her bedroom she quickly put on her uniform and looked at herself in the mirror. She never got used to seeing herself dressed like this. Dressed in black with her hair pulled back in a low ponytail, made her look and feel formidable. She checked her weapon and fastened it to the holster on the corset. She secured the knives to the back and put on her jacket. It wasn’t often that she had to escort anyone, especially their own members, but she took it seriously. You had too, because if you ever let your guard down it could be a mistake that you could never take back. She grabbed her earpiece and put it in place and walked out of the bedroom.

  He saw her come out, and his mouth went dry when he saw the attire she was wearing. She had explained it to him earlier, but never did he imagine it would affect him this way. His blood began to boil, and body came to life. He had never seen anything so hot in his life. It was contradictory to what he was thinking, because it also drove home just how dangerous their situation could get. He wanted to take her to bed and protect her all at the same time.