Tropical Safeguard (Men Of The Secret Service)

by Stella Kelly

  Cole looked down at Katrina and nodded. “Bingo.” Taking the machine gun from her, he made sure it was cocked and ready before placing it back in her hands.

  Katrina took it before looking deeply into his eyes with a shocked expression. “But I can’t…”

  “Yes, you have to. Just in case. You didn’t think I’d give you a gun that wasn’t ready to be fired, did you?”

  She had a moment of self-doubt as she pondered her choices. They boiled down to one. Go forward or nothing.

  “Only use this in the worst circumstance. The noise will draw a crowd,” he instructed. “Hug the wall and stay behind me.”

  They doubled back the way they’d come, with Cole counting each room as they passed to know which room was the right one at the front. They raced up the side of the motel and cautiously rounded the corner. They now stood on the front walkway that stretched the entire front, an overhang covering its expanse. Each door stood at even intervals. They moved to the ice machine, hiding beside it as a couple unlocked and entered a nearby door. Their laughter seemed so out of place to Katrina who’s ears were now ringing in her fight-or-flight adrenaline. Once the couple shut their door, Cole moved onward, carefully taking one cautious step at a time. As they passed the couple’s door, Katrina could still hear their muffled laughter and she wished more than anything to be anywhere else and feel carefree too. If only she knew what to expect and what the outcome would be.

  They passed the first two doors, then another, and by the fourth, Katrina could feel her mouth grow dry as if it were full of cotton. Her heart felt like it would beat out of her chest. She squeezed Cole’s hand tighter, staying as close to him as was humanly possible without tripping. And then, by the fifth door, Cole stopped and Katrina did the same. He leaned in, listening at the door but still making sure not to walk in front of it. They heard men’s voices talking in hushed tones, and then a boy’s plea to let him go to the bathroom.

  Cole turned to her and they locked eyes. She could tell he wanted to convey the magnitude of the moment and in some way reassure, but it was irrelevant. No amount of reassuring looks could calm the internal storm of nerves brewing inside her. She was in fight or flight mode. “No matter what happens to me, you use that gun and protect yourself. They’re both dressed in black and by now they’ve probably become a little comfortable so it’s to our advantage.”

  Katrina stared blankly, seeing his lips move yet feeling so numb she was practically deaf to his words.

  “Katrina,” he said again. She nodded, her eyebrows furrowed in worry. “Here we go.”

  Backing up from the door and standing upright with his gun drawn, Cole took a few swift steps forward and kicked the door squarely in the center. The flimsy lock gave instantly and the door splintered at the hinges and flew open, surprising the men inside. Jimmy sat with his knees up on the bed as the two men scrambled to reach for their guns, but it was too late. Cole took out the first older man with a quick shot to the kneecap, disabling him. He collapsed to the floor and the sound of his screams shook Katrina into action. She lifted her gun and pointed it toward the young, tattooed man as he reached for his revolver on the dresser.

  “Don’t move!” she screamed, moving closer. She brought the gun up, aiming it right at his head. This didn’t seem to slow him down. “I’ll shoot you, just try me!” she hollered.

  As he grabbed the gun and swiveled on his heels, he made to aim it at Katrina but she was faster. A gunshot echoed off the walls of the room and the young man fell back in agony, shot in the shoulder. As he lay on the floor moaning, Katrina kicked his gun out of the way and reached down to pick it up, all the while keeping her gun trained on him unwaveringly.

  “You shot me!” he stammered between painful groans.

  “And I told you I would. You should have listened.”

  “You okay, Katrina?”

  She looked over at Cole and saw his face beaming, clearly impressed with her marksmanship.

  All she could do was nod as adrenaline coursed through her veins, making her head dizzy with disbelief. She held up the gun, shifting it from one injured man to the other, unable to let her guard down just yet.

  “Now we can call the police to help detain them until my team shows up. I’ll have to explain what happened here.” Cole looked over at her. “I’ll take it from here.”

  Katrina nodded again and reluctantly brought her gun down. She ran over to Jimmy, sitting beside him and wrapping an arm around his shoulders. He was shaken, but all in all he was in one piece. “Jimmy, it’s going to be alright.”

  Jimmy nodded silently, still in shock over what had just gone down. Inching closer, he reached out and hugged her, releasing his fright with deep sobs. Katrina held him close, caressing his hair. “It’s okay, Jimmy, we’re here now. You’re safe.”

  Rounding up the injured men, their screams of pain a violent soundtrack to the rescue mission, Cole picked up the phone and dialed the local police. He explained the urgency of the situation directly to the commanding officer. As he put the phone down, a stout man with a moustache cautiously poked his head around the corner of the gaping doorframe. “What the…” he stammered, “What happened here?”

  “Sir, I’m an agent with the United States Government,” Cole introduced himself from a distance. He didn’t dare move away from the two men. “I’m afraid you’ve been unknowingly harboring two kidnappers at your lovely establishment.”

  Katrina looked over at Cole’s stern face from the bed, still hugging Jimmy tightly. “We need a first aid kit,” Katrina demanded, assuming the police and ambulance would take a while to get here. She was certain a double shooting in an off-the-beaten-path flea-bag motel wasn’t a common occurrence here in Bermuda.

  “Yeah, sure,” the stout man said before disappearing.

  “What now, Cole?”

  “We wait for the police. How are you, Jimmy?” Cole asked, seeing how the boy clung to Katrina for comfort.

  “Glad to see you,” he said honestly.

  Cole smiled softly. “It’ll be okay now, promise.”

  “Is my Dad okay?” Jimmy finally asked. Cole wasn’t sure what to say.

  “Agent Nielsen’s team is rescuing them, so yes, they’ll be okay.” Katrina looked down into his freckled, innocent face.

  Jimmy nodded, content with hearing that. He had more questions, but he knew they would be answered in time. For now he held onto Katrina and waited out the rescue, watching as Cole dialed a number at lightening speed.

  “Kirk, it’s Cole. What’s your status?”

  “The entire team is here and we’re in position.”

  “Excellent. The boy is safe. Two men down.” Cole looked around to assess the damage.

  “Any casualties?” Agent Hannlon asked.

  “No.”

  “We should expect Wilco and three others then, right?”

  “Yes. So nine hostages, two of which are young teenage boys.”

  “Correct.”

  “We’re on it. Any advice on getting in?”

  “The front gate makes too much noise and you need a code. The stone wall at the far right when facing the property is your best bet, or a gap in the wall on the private beach, but that means making a wide circle around the property which might take too long. I say the wall’s your best approach.”

  “And the security system?”

  “I didn’t see any evidence of it when I broke in to retrieve my gun. They’ve disarmed it.”

  “Fine. That’ll make things easy. There’s no point in a sneak attack when bells and whistles announce our arrival. Thanks for the info.”

  “Let me know how it goes. I’ll be waiting for your call.”

  “Absolutely. And if I have any other questions…”

  “Just call. Good luck and be safe,” Cole said. Putting the phone away, he looked over at Katrina as the sound of distant sirens filled the air. “My team is there.”

  “Can we help them?” Katrina asked, though deep down she wasn’t s
ure if she could psychologically handle anything else the night threw her way.

  “No, they’ll take care of that end. We have to wait it out.” Their eyes locked. “You did great.”

  A moment later, Cole spotted the blue and red lights of several cruisers pulling up quickly. There would be some explaining to do.

  Chapter Twenty

  Agent Hannlon’s call twenty minutes later confirmed that all was well for the entourage and the staff. Cole’s team had stormed the mansion, secured the hostages, and there were no casualties to report aside from Wilco being shot in the leg. All captors were apprehended and rounded up like a neat little package. The two that Cole and Katrina had captured were picked up and added to the party of prisoners now en route to the United States with Cole’s team.

  It had been a long and traumatic night, but the group at the Winters’ Escape mansion was on the mend. In the early morning hours, their things had been packed, plans made, and the private jet at the airport fueled and ready for take-off.

  “Well, I think that just about does it for me,” Agent Kensing stared off at the distant ocean. He’d spent the night hog-tied in the darkened wine cellar, isolated from the experience unfolding on the main floor above.

  Cole was struck by the humbleness of his colleague’s words. Though not defeated, clearly Agent Kensing was resigned to the fact that his days as a Secret Service agent were numbered.

  “I’ve got a few things to work out in my personal life and frankly,” he looked over at Cole, a half grin pulling the corner of his thin lips. “I’ll leave these kinds of shenanigans for you young guys. I’m done with it all.”

  “Retirement?” Cole asked gently.

  “In a word, yes. Though I don’t have to like it.”

  Cole grinned. “I’m looking forward to it one of these days too. You can be proud of your accomplishments, Thomas. You’ve had a full, brave career.”

  “Hmm, yes, that I have. It’s time to hang up my hat.”

  Cole reached out a hand and Agent Kensing shook it firmly, clearing his throat. “Take care.”

  “Goodbye.”

  Agent Kensing’s footsteps faded as Cole remained standing on the flagstone patio facing the ocean in the distance. Having been ambushed twice during the assignment, Cole had to agree that Agent Kensing had lost his touch. That was the last time Cole ever saw the man.

  <><><>

  Katrina watched from the window as Agent Kensing left Cole and approached the house. When he opened the door, she passed him and he held it open for her.

  “Thank you, Agent Kensing. Take care.”

  Katrina’s footsteps were much lighter than Agent Kensing’s as she approached Cole. It was like she suddenly appeared at his side. Reaching out, she grabbed his hand and he looked down at her briefly and smiled before turning his gaze back toward the ocean. They stood motionless, staring out at the endless beauty. The week at the mansion had been an emotional rollercoaster, but now only calm waters remained and the overall feeling around the place was one of relief.

  “The entourage are leaving now,” Katrina hesitated. “I guess you’ll be leaving too?” There was a clutching in her throat as she fought back her tears. The intensity of the burn was unexpected. She fought hard not to break down in front of him, though she was certain her body would betray her.

  “I’ll have to escort them to the airport, yes.” Cole turned and pulled Katrina into an embrace and she pressed her cheek onto his chest. Holding tight, she found it impossible to hide her unease. Bringing her out, he searched her face and spotted the silent tears that now streamed down her face. “Katrina, this isn’t goodbye forever. If it is, it’s because you don’t want to see me anymore. There is no way I’m letting go of you now that I’ve found you. I’ve been waiting my entire life for you!” He shook her shoulders gently, accentuating his point. She giggled and wiped her tears away, his reassurance making her feel a little silly for being so dramatic.

  “When will I see you again?” she asked point-blank. She hated sounding needy, but this moment was a fork in the road to a future with Cole. Which way would he choose to go? Would it be in her direction?

  <><><>

  Joining her lips with his own, Cole tried to kiss away her sorrows. He ran a hand into her loose hair, his other hand on her lower back. She shouldn’t feel sadness. If anything, elation should be her emotion after what she’d helped him do last night. Releasing her yet staying as close as possible, he looked down into her bronzed face. There were those long eyelashes again. Cole knew that thanks in part to Cameron, Katrina would need a reminder on occasion of just how special she was. He would have to show her that he was reliable and passionate about her. He would always be straightforward without a hidden agenda or dangers involved.

  “You know,” he said tracing a finger along her neck teasingly. “I have quite a bit of compulsory vacation time to use up.”

  “Yes?” Katrina looked hopeful.

  “Yep. And my colleagues have actually suggested I stay behind in Bermuda for a while. What do you think?”

  Katrina’s eyes lit up at the prospect. “I think your fellow agents are the smartest men I’ve ever met!”

  Cole laughed and hugged her again, running a firm hand up and down her back.

  “So, will you stay a while then?” Katrina asked cautiously.

  “Is that another invitation?” Cole looked down at her, smiling flirtatiously.

  “It certainly is.”

  “As long as I get a free Pilates class out of it, then sure.” Cole winked, pulling her in for another deep kiss.

  “I think we’ll get into many, many interesting positions.”

  “Hmm. I’m game,” Cole chuckled. “And getting to know each other is my main priority. I love spending time with you.”

  “Yes, getting to know each other without a major drama or kidnapping would be lovely.”

  “Absolutely.”

  They both laughed easily, reveling in their mutual understanding.

  <><><>

  Jimmy hugged Katrina around the waist and didn’t let go. She patted his back kindly, giggling at his outward affection. He finally released his embrace and looked up. He was almost the same height, but not quite. “Thank you, Katrina, for saving me. You really kicked their butts!”

  Katrina blushed naturally. She looked around the small crowd and her eyes rested on Secretary Mitchell’s. He was smiling in his appreciation. Katrina looked at Jimmy again. “Any time, Jimmy. I’m just sorry you had to go through all that. I hope you can come back to Bermuda someday and have a better time here.”

  Jimmy laughed. “I think it will be. Anything’s better than being stolen!”

  Everyone laughed. Katrina said goodbye to the Greenbaum’s before they got into the first SUV with Agent Kensing and left for the airport.

  “We’re right behind you,” Secretary Mitchell said as they waved them away. He then turned to Katrina.

  “Miss Turner, I just wanted to privately thank you once again and give you this.” James Mitchell handed her an envelope.

  Katrina took it with a puzzled look on her face. She looked over at Cole who wore a grin, but shrugged his shoulders.

  “Thank you, sir,” she said.

  “Well, I know I’m restricted from giving the Secret Service a gift of appreciation, but that doesn’t include brave civilians like yourself. Consider it a reward for capturing the criminals. I’ll never forget what you did for my son. All the best,” Secretary Mitchell put out a hand and Katrina shook it. Still dumbfounded, she said goodbye to Trudy and received one more hug from Jimmy before they got into the second SUV. As Damian shut everyone’s door, Cole quickly kissed Katrina on the forehead and winked.

  “Be back soon. Promise,” he said hushed.

  Katrina watched as he jumped into the passenger seat and the SUV drove down the long driveway. The entourage was now on their way back to their busy lives in Washington after a tumultuous week. Katrina thought they would all need a holiday from th
eir holiday. She also thought of how much the experience would alter Jimmy’s life. She hoped the outcome would mean he would be a stronger person and turn his negatives into positives. That was her plan. She’d had enough heartache in the last week to last a lifetime. It was time to turn a corner.

  Katrina had watched the SUV until it left the property and the security gate closed behind it. The silence that followed felt peaceful for the first time in years. She took a deep breath and felt her body relax. The sun was shining, birds were singing, and a light breeze invited her toward the ocean. Instead of going back inside, she wandered down toward the cliffs and watched the water crash against the rocks below. Inspecting the envelope Secretary Mitchell had given her, she opened it and slid the rectangular piece of paper out. Katrina gasped. The check was beyond her wildest dreams and would go far for her studio down payment. She was on her way now thanks to The Secretary and a flood of emotion and gratitude overwhelmed her.

  Walking along the ridge of the alcove, she made her way down to the beach. As she descended the switchback stairs, she thought back to the night with Cameron and an unavoidable shiver crept over her skin. She simply shook it off and carried on, ready now to put that behind her.

  Resting comfortably in her usual spot, Katrina crossed her legs in lotus and sat still, sinking into the moment. She remained there effortlessly for half an hour letting her mind clear, yet the task was next to impossible since it kept drifting back to Cole. His beautiful face, his voice, his large muscular body. She felt gratitude for having met him too, and for the first time in her life, she felt she was getting just what she deserved. The world was full of endless possibilities.