The Beginning: In the Families Footsteps
Author: Robert Segulin
Date: 2019-01-27 05:00:00+00:00
Description: This is the first Terri Walker series of a woman who was to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a school teacher. That scenario didn’t happen, but what did was that she followed in her brothers and uncles’ footsteps. Both of who were military special ops and not your typical ones either. Terri Walker now begins her future which is to protect her country from all enemies both domestic and foreign. From a quiet school teacher to an extremely tough fighter that never gives up. Terri Walker, Covert Government Agent is here to take care of business.

A Terri Walker Series

The Beginning

In the Families Footsteps

Other books by Author:

The Promise

The Next Mission the Fall of an American Hero

A Families Revenge

The Restaurant

The Residents

A Max Stone Series

The Cottages

A Max Stone Series

Dedicated to Jess who I worked with at the time of writing this book. She gave me the inspiration to move past my writer’s block that I had at the that time, thanks

This is a book of fiction. No name or similarity of people is meant to be. Any business, building or a city and state are only a fictional idea. Along with a name for the place or places that this book mainly takes place in. And any nationalities that are stated, and association with any groups.

Copyrighted, Robert Segulin, 2019

Chapter 1

My name is Terri Walker, let me first give you a little back story on myself and my family.

My mother, Josie. The best mom any child could ask for, has done and will always have my back. My dad, well he died during a turbulent time in our country, when the country was attacked from within by hundreds of thousands of terrorists. I was younger and never really got to know him. My brother Charlie. Well what can I say about a brother who not only had my back but saved my life, and the lives of many others including our mother. He is an analyst with the military. That is all I can say of his job. But the best brother a kid could have. He was there for me during the bad times and the good.

Now two others that have been in my life and have also saved mine, my mothers, Charlies, and thousands of others lives during the invasion. A man I call Uncle Bob, no relation but one that became family because he protected us as that.

He is an older man who started a journey from his home city to New Jersey, then St Louis, where I was living at the time, then to the Middle East and back home to his little apartment and his glass of Scotch. Now for my real uncle. My mother’s brother and a very special man. Rick James. My uncle Rick and Bob traveled the country to save Bob’s daughter and bring her to her mother’s place in New York. Then together went across the country to St Louis to be with us.

There was a time during a hard-fought battle near my home that my uncle was thought dead. But years later finding out that he was whisked away by the military to have our family safe from the revenge of the leader of the terrorist that he fought. Their revenge was because during the time my uncle was in the military, he was a special op sniper, and he killed the head of the groups’ father back in Afghanistan years earlier, that was invading our country.

Then years later, my mother remarried, my brother somewhere in the world doing what ever he does with his wife and partner, along with Bob finally retiring, then after another year of running for our lives against another group that was just out for us and revenge, my Uncle Rick was alive and again saved not only my brother, Bob, but many others that went to Afghanistan to have our own revenge.

So, after all that has gone on in my life I finished school became a teacher like my mother and settled down in an area not far from my mother. Well that is what I told everyone that I did, but I became just like my brother and my uncle and joined a special government unit. Recruited me while I was in college.

We travel around the world as educators working on thesis’s for graduate school, but what I do for my country is, well I work for those who don’t exist in any of the government books.

And of who only the President and very few know of us. In other words, if I told you what we do or who we really are, I would have to kill you.

So, my story begins.

Chapter 2

Sitting in a quaint coffee shop in an elite college town area in upstate New York, just across the street from a small book store, I sit and wait for a man that I have been following for a few days, waiting for him to come out of the store, then my job begins again shadowing him as he goes around town.

The man that I have been watching is that of Professor Thomas. A Professor at the college near by and one of the only men or women for that matter, that has broken the code of the New Islamic Terrorist group in the Middle East and is now also based in the United States. This group has come up with an unbreakable code to send messages to all their cells in this country and abroad.

The United States Government Intel Communities has tried repeatedly to have him accept protection or to come into a government safe house. To both he has refused, so here I am watching or rather baby sitting a man that is marked for death by the terrorist groups. Not only one of them but all of them.

My duty is to keep watch, not only of him but of any out of the ordinary person or persons that he may encounter, or be following him as I am.

After three days, no contact from any other, no obvious watching, so here I sit pretending to drink my coffee, which I sip but not drink. If I drank as much as needed in the time that I sit here, I would spend most of my time in the lady’s room and possible miss what may be an obduction or murder of Professor Thomas.

Then as I wondered how long that I will have to be sitting in this coffee shop waiting for him to come out of the book store so that I would leave here and be on the move instead of just sitting. Then Professor Thomas came out of the store. I started to get up when I noticed that he was walking in my direction. He entered the coffee shop and sat by the window with the book he just bought. He opened it and started to read. After a few minutes he got up went the counter ordered his coffee and went back to his seat to continue reading his book.

I shuffled in my chair not wanting to continue in the same seat alone, because the workers will start to wonder why I am here and not really having coffee. I also knew that the Professor will also wonder why I am just sitting and not reading a book or working on a lap top. I am looking at my iPhone, but not as visible as a book or computer.

Just as my thoughts ended of me being here alone, in comes Sienna. Wow, Sienna came into the shop, and I waved at her to come over. Now I have an excuse why I am here and that possibly I was just waiting for my friend.

Sienna came up to me and I stood and the two of us hugged, because it has been a very long time since we have seen each other. Sienna is Bob’s daughter’s mother.

She was the one that Bob and my Uncle Rick went to New Jersey to get, Samantha her daughter, then took her up here to New York. Now that I am thinking, she lives not that far away from where we are right now. What a coincidence.

We both sat back in our seats and she immediately said to me, “Terri how are you and your mother. Have you been in contact with your brother Charlie and your Uncle Rick. And what are you doing here, and not calling or at least send an email that you would be here?”

I just gave a chuckle and told her, “first Sienna, I am here taking a few classes for my thesis for my masters. I didn’t know if you would even remember me and didn’t want to bother you. On my bother and uncle, well, my brother and his wife and his partner Jenny are off somewhere in the world saving us as usual. My uncle is with his wife and family living not to far from my mother in St Louis. My mother married again, and my uncle has two little ones also. Me well I am single and just keeping up with my education. I am a teacher but am trying to expand my areas of education to hopefully work my way into a college as a professor someday.”

With a smile Sienna responded with, “Terri, I do remember you, how can I not. You, your mother, brother and uncle did so much for my daughter, and yes, her father did to. I haven’t seen him much because he completely retired and just has a garden around his apartment complex which he takes care of for every one’s enjoyment he says, which I think that it is mainly for his enjoyment and something to keep him busy.”

She paused then said, “Also, you can have stayed with me while you are here. By the way how long are you staying?”

I lowered my head with a little shame, mostly because I am lying to a great woman, but also making it look as if I should have called. I looked up at her and said, “I am not completely sure how long that I will be here, but I do have a dorm room to stay in. That way I can get around campus faster. But what I think is that I may be gone shortly so it is good we can see each other today.”

Sienna the asked me, “so, what do you do for work while you are going to finish your masters? Or are you going to school only during the summer months like now, and teach somewhere the rest of the year?”

I gave an unusual look at her, which I feel she got the reason why. I then stumbled with my next few words and replied with, “I have saved enough from working as a teacher, so with that and some subbing every so often, I get by.”

I knew that the story I just gave was convincing to most, but Sienna has been through so much with her ex Bob and my family that I know she really did not completely believe me.

I tried to change the subject quickly and did. “How is Samantha, are you two in contact often?”

Sienna smiled and answered with, “yes we are in constant contact. She comes to visit me, and I visit her monthly. We both try to see her father Bob as much as possible, but he likes to move around. He got into panning for gold in different states. Doesn’t get much, but he says it is like fishing to him. He visits when in the area also.”

As we continued our talk, I was trying to keep an eye on the professor without making it to obvious to both Sienna and him.

With talking to Sienna and looking at him, I would every now and then look out the window for any unusual people that just happened to be hanging around out front or across the street.

The street that I was on was blocked at each end and had car barriers in the ground. The street was red brick, like Red Square in Burlington Vermont. No cars just walking and bicycles. That way everyone could walk in the street and back and forth across it without worrying of being run over. Even motor cycles were not permitted.

As I was glancing out the window I noticed that two motor cycles stop in front of the coffee shop that I was in with Sienna and the professor. Not unusual for a motor cycle driving through the barriers since they were mainly put there for cars and trucks. But what got me thinking is that the two on the bikes were dressed head to toe in black, and both didn’t get off the bikes, but just sat on them looking into the shop. I started to get a bit upset at the thought that not only was the professor a person that I feel now is in trouble but also Sienna, along with many others in the shop.

Trying to not have Sienna notice what I was looking at and that I was slowly moving myself in my seat so that I could have my hand on the 9mm attached to my hip under the thin jacket I had on.

Even though I was very nonchalant in doing this, I turned slightly towards Sienna and could see that she knew that something was wrong.

Sienna then said to me, “what do you want me to do Agent Terri Walker.”

With that I knew she had a feeling from the first when she entered the shop and I seemed nervous of her being there and she may have noticed my constant glances at the professor. So, I immediately moved my chair back and told Sienna, “when I get up you get behind the counter and get down, and if I am right you can help me call out for the others to get down also.”

Being scared now Sienna said, “I will get up now and slowly head towards the counter, OK?”

I nodded in agreement and then stood up. I started to make my way towards the professor when I noticed that the two-out front of the building took out mini machine guns from their jackets. I then moved fast and grabbed the professor and pulled him to the floor. Then turned quickly to Sienna and said “Now!”

I pulled out my pistol and before I could pull it up level, the two started to fire. Bullets hitting all over, glass shattering and Sienna yelling for everyone to get down.

I moved to the lower corner of the window and peaked out to see that one was about to reload, and the other was about to also. I got up and with only two head shots hit them both. But they shook their heads when the bullets hit them, but they didn’t penetrate the helmets. Kevlar, I thought then before they could shoot again, I tried their ankles.

And that worked. I knew that it would not completely stop them from continuing to shoot again, but at least I had a few extra seconds to pick my next spot to shoot.

The professor looked up at me and said, “thank you for not listening to me that I did not want security.”

I smiled at him, said “your welcome.” Then took another well-placed shot to them both.

This time I hit each one in the hip, towards the back, just below their belts, because of the need to bend and sit, those areas would not be protected like obvious areas of the body. And I was right, both hit, and both shooters then took off.

As I was getting up I heard the sirens from the police coming, because I know some one around here or in the street called. And I am thankful of that. I knew that I could get the professor out the back, but not any others.

I stood by the window, but still just to the side, because I was not sure that they would not try one more shot as the drove by. Which I was right, just before the police arrived, the two on the motorcycles turned at the end of the street and came back and had their guns on fully automatic and unloaded a full magazine at the window and doors. Instead of trying to hit a moving target I decide to save my ammo, just incase another group showed up.

Seconds later the police arrived, and a few cars took off after the shooters. I knew that I had a lot of explain to do now, to both the police and Sienna. Which as I was thinking that, Sienna came out from behind the counter and ran up to me and gave me a great big hug and said, “thank you for being here and such a brave bad ass too.”

We both laughed at that and I then said, “I have a lot to tell you, but I will right after I talk to the police and call in for help from my unit.”

Sienna then nodded in agreement and sat down and had a coffee, because you could see that she was shaking from what just happened here.

Chapter 3

While I was sitting at another table first talking to the police, then to my unit team leader, I could see that Sienna was on her phone talking to someone with emotion, especially since she was just in a gun battle here today. I knew who she was talking to also, and that would be Bob her ex and my Uncle Rick’s best friend. I then thought that I am in big trouble now with my mother, brother, uncle, and Bob. Because word will spread very fast with what just happened to this oh so quiet school teacher, who is really a covert government agent.

As I finished with my unit, who now has taken the professor to a safe house, I looked over at Sienna and saw that she just finished her call. I was probably more afraid of hearing what she was about to say to me then being in the gun battle that I was just in.

I slowly walked over to Sienna’s table to ask who she talked to and what she said, when my phone rang and when I looked at the caller ID I knew that trouble has just started.

On the caller ID was my Uncle Bob, and I really don’t think that I am ready to talk to him or anyone else. But I smiled at Sienna and she said over all the commotion in the shop, “sorry Terri. But they do have a right to know, don’t they?”

I could only lower my head as I nodded in agreement. Then I called back Bob and with a happy voice said, “well Uncle Bob, what do I owe the honor of this call from you. How are you, it’s been a long time since we talked.” I tried hard to carry the conversation, but Bob stopped me quickly with, “are you completely nuts Terri? You know what type of work you are in and how close that your family and mine were almost killed so many years ago don’t you?”

“Sorry Uncle, I didn’t want to have anyone worry about me, but now I guess that the cat is out of the bag and time to explain.” I said to Bob in a very I am sorry voice. But that didn’t work with him, so I know that it won’t work with my mother Uncle Rick and my brother Charlie.

Bob then said, “Sienna told me the whole story, or as much as she knows and experienced today. She let me know of how you met in the coffee shop and that she knew right away that you were not going only for your masters because she said that you were very uneasy after she arrived and could tell that you kept watching one man sitting by the window. She figured that you are some type of law enforcement and was assigned to tale this man. But, when the bullets started to fly, Sienna said that you were a, total bad ass. No fear for your own safety, only making sure that your subject, Sienna and the rest in the people in the shop were not harmed. And Terri, we will discuss this more in detail later, but thanks for protecting my daughter’s mother.”

For a few minutes only, silence from Terri.

I could not say your welcome but did agree to talk more later. Then we both hung up. But after we did I shook my head in disgust because I forgot to ask him if he was going to call anyone in my family. Oh well I am sure I will soon find out.

I didn’t have to wait to long because my phone rang again and saw who was calling, my Uncle Rick. I wasn’t sure who of the three that I would get a good talking to from more than the other.

I answered and again with a soft I am sorry voice said, “hello Uncle Rick, nice to hear from you today, it has been a long time since we talked last.”

And yes, he didn’t accept the little sorry girl voice either. But instead of saying that I was nuts like Bob did, he just said, “Terri I do not envy you when your mother hears of you not being a teacher, but a Deep Cover Covert Ops Agent, and not some analyst or something, that would be more in your wheel house. Yes, Terri I already made my calls and found out who you really are. I knew that you were with the government but not the way you are now. So, just get ready for you mom to call, and I feel that you better be sitting down when she does. I haven’t called her yet, because I think that you should tell her first before she finds out from a news source. OK! And please don’t get mad at Sienna for calling Bob or Bob calling me, remember we all protect and care for each other.”

I then told him that I would call my mother and thanked him for not yelling at me. Then he said, “oh little girl, you are not going to get off that easy. After you talk to your mother and get her motherly advice, I will call back with mine.”

Then he paused, and I could hear him take a deep breath and continued with, “And hopefully Charlie is some where clear across the world, for if he is close, I think he may not be as easy on you as Bob and myself have been so far, and yes even your mother.” Remember that he is your big brother and will do anything to make sure that you are safe, and that just may include having you get a desk job. He is so much more connected than any of us think.”

I thanked him and said, “I will call mom a little later, bye Uncle Rick let’s talk again soon.”

He laughed and responded with, “you better believe that we will talk again, and very soon.” Then we both hung up.

I could tell that Sienna seemed to feel bad about calling Bob, but I really wasn’t mad at her as much as I am mad, or rather disappointed in myself. I should have said something ahead of time to at least my uncle, that way it would have stopped with him in the beginning. So over to Sienna I go.

Sienna stood up and as I approached her reached out, so she could give me a hug. Which I accepted graciously. She whispered in my ear, “sorry, but I had to, do you forgive me?”

I responded with an even tighter hug and said, “it is I who should apologies to you for putting you in harms way. I should have known that if something happened today with you here, not one person would forgive me. So Sienna, please forgive me.”

We hugged a few moments more than both sat down, and she looked at me and said, “well, how long have you been a spy?”

I gave a chuckle and said, “not wasting any time, are you?”

Sienna just said to me, “I think that you owe me an explanation why I was shot at and you looked like your brother or uncle shooting back.”

“I have been with my unit for two years now, they recruited me in college and I held them off for awhile then gave into their talk of patriotism. They knew of my uncle and brother, so it was easy for them to take a chance on getting me to go along with their group.” I told her.

Sienna just said, “continue.”

“I started out doing some odd surveillance jobs, nothing dangerous, but as time went on, as you saw today, they are becoming very dangerous now. Even though this was a basic surveillance or as we call it a baby-sitting job. This man has very important information and many want it. So, what I was to do was to follow and keep track of anyone that may seem to be getting to close to him. Well as you experienced today, someone didn’t just want him, they wanted him dead. I am sorry that you got in the middle of it, but I never thought in a million years that I would run into you here and at the exact time of the shooters. I talked to Bob, then my Uncle Rick, and I will be calling my mother soon to give her a brief explanation of what I have been up to lately. Then My brother, now that one will be the toughest.”

Just as Sienna was about to say something to me, her phone rang and when she looked to see who it was, she said, “well let’s see who told my daughter Samantha about what happened or is this just a cordial call.”

I held my breath waiting for her to answer her phone, for a few reasons, one, does she know what happened today to her mother, second, and how did she find out, then if she knows it is only a matter of time before my whole family is calling me. She then answered her phone and her eyes seemed to bug out when she did.

I listen to her side of the conversation and tried to gather what Samantha was saying to her.

Sienna’s phone call started with, “Sam, don’t worry about me, I am doing very good, I was protected by one fantastic woman here. Yes, I know I was in danger and that so was Terri. What tv station did you see this on? OK, I looked good on tv, but not what happened to get me on it. Yes, dear I will take care and call you a little later with all the information that you are asking about. Yes, Terri is a bad ass agent. I didn’t know, and either anyone else I am finding out now. I will talk later have to go. Bye.”

Sienna hung up with Samantha, not because she didn’t have any more to say to her, but because she saw the look on my face when my phone rang. All that I could say before I answered it was, “you mean that this place and what happened was or still is on tv?”

Sienna could only nod with a yes, then motioned for me to answer my phone because it was either her mother or brother now calling.

I answered it and said, “hello mother, how are you today.” And before I could say another word, I heard he say, “why on earth do I find out on tv that you have made me so sad today, by following your brother and uncle in their footsteps.’

She then cleared her throat and continued, “Why did you not tell me that you were not a teacher any longer, and this master’s stuff was really a ruse. A ruse that has you putting yourself and those around you like Samantha’s mother Sienna, in great danger. Terri, I thought that you were to be the one that broke family line of this ideal to protect and serve for my country stuff.”

She went silent for a second, and that is when I knew that I had to speak first before she started again telling me how terrible that she feels of what I have done not only today, but for some time now she guesses. So, I started with, “mom, please let me talk now so that I can give you my side.”

She responded with, “Terri, you can talk now but I want you to know that nothing that you can say will make up for the heart break that I had when I saw you on tv, and the news person telling the story of a gun battle and some unknown heroic woman who stop the gunman from killing probably everyone in the building. So, go on.”

I stumbled with my words for a minute then said, “well first the reason why I am doing what I do was said by you just now. The woman who stopped the gunmen from killing everyone in the building today. That is one reason the other is that I come from a very strong and Patriotic family. Uncle Rick, Special Ops Sniper. Charlie my brother Special Ops Communications Intel. But most of all you. Yes, mom you. When so many years ago when the country was invaded by tens of thousands of terrorists, and dad died then. Who stayed strong when Uncle Rick was thought to have been killed, and Uncle Bob was in a coma for weeks, and no one knew if he would pull through.”

I coughed, not because of a cold but I was clearing my throat from becoming all choked up talking to my mother then continued with, “Who was there for his family, standing tall and strong and not thinking of herself at any time, because you felt the calling to be the rock for everyone. You are the reason that I am strong now and have found my calling to be here for anyone who needs protection from all the evil that is still in this world. Mom I love you and I know that you love me, let me come and visit soon so that we can talk more and hopefully that you will understand why I am, who I am.”

My mother began with, “I had a feeling that the story of you going from college to college was a lie. I felt in my heart that you were up to something different, but I wanted you to tell me first, before I found out through tv, or your death.”

I tried to tell her that I was just like any other law enforcement person, that I was to only follow this person, and if any trouble started to immediately leave and wait for the real military to come and do their jobs and leave me out of it. Not sure if she believed me at all, but I will keep trying until I go and see her in person.

“Just remember one thing Terri, you have not had the opportunity to have a talk with your brother yet. I have a feeling that he will not be as easy with what you have done or who you are as any other that you have talked to lately. So, I will say goodbye now and wait for your call of when you will come to visit. I love you, and please be safe. Oh, say hello to Sienna for me.”

I said bye and we both hung up, now I must wait for Charlie to call, and I do hope that he is far, far away and has not heard anything of today yet.

Chapter 4

After the calls that I just had so far, I looked at Sienna and said, “how about after I am done here with the unit’s interrogation of everyone else here questioning me, that we go somewhere to have something a bit stronger than coffee.”

Sienna nodded with a yes, then looked around the room at not only all the destruction that has been done here, but the people and what their faces and possible thoughts to the group of different law enforcement agencies questioning them now.

I was done with all that I was needed for now and I looked over at Sienna and said, “so, are you ready for that drink now?”

The look on her face was of fear, not pleasure of getting out of here. I thought for a second that something was about to happen, and she was fearful of it.

I slowly turned in the direction that has held her attention, and when I did, my face became pale and a fear came over me that I have not had for some time. Over by the door was, Charlie, my brother. Here in New York, in the same coffee shop that was just the scene of a horrible incident.

“Charlie!” I yelled out to him. “What are you doing here, and what does this thing here have to do with what you may be working on?” Then smiled and gave him my puppy dog eyes, that used to work on him, but I feel that nothing will today.

“Hello to you too Terri.” He said to me without any smile accompany his words. “You do remember what I do in the military, don’t you? Communication Intel, yes intel that is used to help stop many terrorist acts around the world. And how do I do that sometimes, well by having great men like Professor Thomas come up with an algorithm to break the codes of those trying to communicate with others in their cells.”

I looked down in shame now, and respond only with, “I am sorry Charlie, it didn’t click with me that what I was protecting was an asset of yours also. I feel really dumb now.”

The Government put their best operative watching him, and that person was highly recommended by, Me!  Yes Terri, I asked for your unit to shadow the professor, because I know that not only is the unit the best, but you are the best agent that they have in it.”

Sienna’s mouth stayed open at what Charlie just said, and my face became even whiter after the words he said to me. I did everything that I could to get myself together and run over to him and give him a hug. But I know that there is much more about to come from him now.

“Charlie! How long did you know what I did for a living?” I asked him.

Charlie smiled and said, “well I was informed of a up and coming agent that I may want to have on my team. That info came from our Uncle Rick.”

I had nothing to say to that and just tried hard to smile, Charlie saw this and continued with his story.

“Terri, Uncle Rick is still semi active with his Special Ops Unit and has inside info on all of us, including you Sienna. He vowed to make sure that nothing ever happens like before to any of his family.” Sienna smiled at those words from Charlie.

Then he said, “when Uncle Rick found out about you applying to the government to become an agent, he called me to tell me to make sure that somehow you would be part of my world. He wanted me to take you into my unit, but I decided that you will have to make your own way if this life is what you really want. I then had your unit set up and you in it. The unit work in conjunction with my entire group of agents, and that way I would have not only control of your assignments but also would be able to watch over your safety. After all, if mom found out about your life changes, and I didn’t take care of you, well I would be far across the world to stay away from her wrath.”

Now I had to give a chuckle at that, then said that “she has already called because she saw me on tv and put two and two together. She was civil but told me that either I come to visit her and tell my story, or she will come to me. And she knew that if here I would be embarrassed in front of my unit, so I will be taking a short leave soon, if that’s ok with you?”

While I was talking, I noticed that Charlie looked towards the door and gave a nod. I turned and noticed that there was four six-man units spreading around one at each end of the street, across from the coffee shop and two outside its door with four coming inside. I thought that I guess he wants to be sure that everything is under control around here.

I gave him a glance and looked around, then he said, “I have intel that this was not going to be the only attempt on the Professor, so I felt we should be prepared. I also have a drone flying over this area looking for anything out of the ordinary. And you know in case mom calls, you can tell her how many special operators that I had protecting you.” He said with a chuckle.

Then he looked down and said, “sorry sis, but my intelligence had information of an attack at the college, so we were stationed there, and very little positive info of what happened. You can see why we need his code breaking abilities, don’t you? When the shooting started, we came as fast as we could, but some special agent had already calmed the incident down, a suppressing of the situation, and not a raging gun battle any longer. Only thing I can say more is that you are the right person for this job.”

Then Sienna said, “can we go now, I need a drink and I know that Terri does also.”

Charlie then said, “if you two do not mind, to wait just a few minutes longer because someone wants to say high to you both.”

I now became worried of who would want to say high to both of us here in a small town in upstate New York.”

All I heard was oh my from Sienna and then I turned to see why. In the door came Jenny, my brothers’ partner and wife. I almost cried with joy seeing her now. I hoped that she would be more compassionate of the situation that I have just gone through.

Sienna went to her and they hugged and exchange a few words, then I saw her look at me and start to come to where I was standing, but she did not have a pleasant face on as I had hoped for. Her look was that of discuss, and I had a feeling that I was just about to find out why.

I said, “hello Jenny, so nice to see you here today”

Then Jenny gave a look that would melt snow and said, “is that any way to greet your superior officer. Do you not understand that today we could have lost a valuable resource, one that was under your protection, and you almost failed to do so! This whole incident could have been avoided if you were more observant of your surroundings and took into consideration of his normal habits. Even I knew where and when he would be here and at what seat he would be sitting at. So, Terri, what do you have to say for yourself?”

All I could say was, “I did a sloppy job in overseeing the entire area as I was watching the person that I was to protect. I am sorry, even though sorry is not an excuse. I have learned a lesson today of what I should have done to make sure a thing like what happened today will not happen again.” I then looked into her eyes for acceptance and hopefully some type of condolence at my sorrow that I have in my heart right now. Being talked to by my sister in law was a hard thing to take. And now I waited for more from both my brother and my sister in law.

As I stood silent waiting for what would come next, I saw Jenny start to move closer to me and the whole time the expression on her face did not change. That is until she stood right in front of me.

Then she smiled and reached out to give me a hug and said, “Terri we were so worried about you when we heard that there was a gun battle going on here. Charlie rallied the troops to come and help, but you girl had already taken care of business. Your Uncle Rick was correct when he told us that you are one good agent, but not a bad ass agent as you just proved to be.”

Then we hugged, and I wanted to cry but held that back, I did enough wrong today, no need for more.

Then Jenny looked at Charlie and said, “with your permission, I am going to take Sienna and Agent Terri Walker down the street to that lounge and debrief them both.”

Charlie looked at the three of us and said, “debrief?” Then gave a chuckle, then we left.

Chapter 5

While the three of us were sitting at a bar not far from where the incident happened, Charlie was finishing up the scene to have it be known as a drive by shooting of a teacher that was involved with a married man.

Charlie knew that telling the truth was out of the question. So, he devised a story and gave it out to the media. A married professor was having an affaire with another teacher from a different school, and somehow when it was found out about it and the mad wife told a friend to scare her and tell her to leave her husband alone, but the friend took it a step farther.

Charlie gave a chuckle to himself after telling that story, but he also knew that he has seen the same thing and even worse happen. So, a false story today will save the professor from being found out about, and Terri being discovered as a secret agent. Well since the situation is now under control, the professor at a safe house and Terri with Jenny and Sienna having a debriefing, or two. Another smile came to his face, and then he decided to help with the debriefing.

Terri was having her third glass of wine, when she turned to Jenny and asked her, “do you think that Charlie is really upset with what happened.? And will he take me out of the unit that I am with?”

Jenny smiled and responded with, “Terri, Charlie will get over it especially since the asset and you are both alive right now. He will probably act as if he was a bit mad at you but trust me he will forget it soon.”

Then Sienna smiled at them both and said, “well I do believe that Charlie will be having a great big thing that will be keeping his mind occupied for some time. Right Jenny?”

Jenny just gave Sienna a look and a head shake of no. Then Sienna said, “Terri, remember when we first all met Jenny she would always keep up with Charlie’s unit at a bar. Drink for drink. She was an amazing drinker Bob used to say. The person that the words drinks as if they had a hollow leg, was said about. And now what I see here today, and after a terrible life threating situation that Terri was just in, after all you are her sister in law. Jenny, so you gave up drinking since we last saw you?”

Terri took a gulp of air along with me, and then Jenny lowered her head and said, “yes, Charlie will be busy changing diapers soon.”

We all laughed at what she just said, not because being with child was funny, but Charlie and diapers. Just as we were all laughing at the statement from Jenny of Charlie, in he came. We then became quiet, because we know that it is Jenny’s right to tell Charlie that he is going to be a father. But we hoped that she told him here, so we could witness his facial expression, and if needed, help him off the floor, from the news.

I could tell that Charlie was looking at each one of us and trying to figure out the sudden silence when he came in. I know my brother and he knows’ me, so what I tried to do is make conversation quickly about the shooting, so he would get his mind on that instead of what may or may not be going on at our table.

“Charlie! So, is everything under control back at the coffee shop, and am I in any type of trouble from being involved in a gun battle there?” I asked him. Trying hard to make conversation of me and about that situation only now.

Sienna jumped into the conversation and said, “Charlie do not blame Terri for anything other than saving the lives of the professor, me, and the others in the coffee shop.”

Then Charlie smiled and turned to Jenny and said, “So sweetie, no comment from you?”

Jenny just smiled back and said nothing. Then Charlie waved for the waiter and told him to bring another round of drinks and to add a beer for himself. Then he sat down and just had a smile on his face that I knew meant I know.

When the waiter came back with the drinks, he put down a glass of wine in front of Sienna and me, then the beer in front of Charlie, then a glass of water with a twist of lime in front of Jenny. Charlie looked up and raised his glass and toasted to Terri for a job well done. Then put his beer down and turned to his wife, best friend, unit partner, and someone who is holding a secret from him now.

Then he said, “Jenny I see that your hollow leg must be full today because you are having water instead of your usual 6 beers, in the amount of time you have been here with the others.”

We all looked shocked because we now know that Charlie has some type of an idea that something is off with Jenny. Then Jenny said, “I am not feeling very well today, is that ok with you that I get sick every so often?”

Charlie smiled and responded with another shocker and said, “no problem being a bit sick this morning, and I know that it will pass after you have our child.”

Jenny’s face became white and tried to smile but could only mumble, “how long have you known?”

“I knew ever since you would get up early and go into the bathroom to throw up. I was concerned at first thinking that with all the places that we go you might have encountered some virus or something. Then I saw a phone number that I didn’t see before come on your caller ID, and it was from a Doctor. I checked up on the doctor and then I knew that you had a bug in you, but it was in your belly. Because the doctor is an OB/GYN. Then I waited for you to tell me and you just did now by not drinking as you would of a year ago, and for not deny it either.” Charlie said to her.

Jenny looked up and said, “I wanted to wait another few weeks to be completely sure that everything was ok with the baby. And Charlie, I was also nervous of what you might say about your unit partner taking a leave of absence to have our baby. Because we are military people and our job, and our country depends on the two of us.”

Charlie reached over and put his hand on Jenny’s and said, “I will never be mad at you for anything, especially because you are having our baby. You deserve so much time off from the unit because if I am right you never have since you started with it. If you decide to retire in order to have as much time as you want with our family, then do it. I have already talked to the commander about this, just in case my hunch was right, which it seems to be I was right. He will have you on extended leave and when ready either come back or retire, he said that he was ok with either. Jenny you have left a great impression on me, the unit and the top brass, so your choice. And your choice when to start.”

I jumped up with my wine glass and proposed a toast to the news of a new family member soon to be here. Sienna seconded it and so did Charlie. I then said, “Jenny and Charlie I am so happy for the two of you and know that you both will be great parents. Oh! Charlie, Mom! Does she know yet?”

Charlie looked at me and said not yet but she can find out when you and Jen go to visit her in the next few days, after all you must tell her all about what you have been up to instead of being a quiet school teacher like she thought. And this way the three of you can do all the talking about baby clothes, diapers, names and such while I take it easy protecting the country against evil.” He then just smiled at Jen and we all sat back in our chairs now that the news of a new member of the family will be coming into all our lives soon, that includes the unit, Bob, Sienna, Samantha and Uncle Rick and his wife Stacey.

Chapter 6

Sitting in my window seat looking out on the plane ride home, I kept thinking of all that went on recently. I was doing a job that I love, I was shot at, I ran into Sienna who I have not seen in many years. I found out that my brother’s wife Jen is now with child, and that not only did my Uncle Rick know about what I really did for a living, but my brother too. Which he was the one who vouched for me and ended up recruiting me for his special team that he and Jen put together and ran from somewhere around the world. No one ever knows what city or country that they will be in the next day or month.

I feel that I am blessed to be working with a group of men and women that are as patriotic and skilled as I feel that I am. I am not the only one because the commander of all of us told my brother that very same thing after I interviewed with him back when I started this career that I am in.

I now had to do one of the hardest things that I will have to do since I became part of this secret and most covert team that I am on. And that is to tell my mother the truth of what I do for a living.

I know that she will not be pleased because of not only the dangerous situations that she went through, but my brother Charlie and my Uncle Bob. But mostly my Uncle Rick who devoted so many years as a Special Ops Sniper and after he got out and teamed up with Bob to travel around to help Samantha, Bob and Sienna’s daughter, then to help my mother, brother and me. Then at one time seeing so many that I loved in a hospital bed near death and having my Uncle Rick said to be dead after a battle near my condo doing what he could to protect our family. I feel, no I know she will not be happy with me.

I looked over at Jen sitting next to me and she was on a team iPad going over some items that she may need when we arrive at my mothers’ One may think military, but no it was all baby related stuff. I smiled and was so happy for my brother and her of soon becoming parents. I do hope that Jenny does either retire or at least take a long leave from her job. But retirement I know is not what she would want to do because with a leave she keeps all her top clearances and would be a useful part of the team even if not in the same time zone as them.

Jen seeing me looking at her but with a foggy look on my face asked me, “so, Terri are you ready to see your mother and run into her arms and give her a hug?”

I half smiled back and said, “yes, I am eager to see my mother again but not exactly relishing the thought of how she will react to my job, but mostly her reaction of my lies that I told her of what I really did. But I am happy to be home and hopefully everything will end up being OK.”

Jen just nodded and went back to her iPad. Then we heard the dinging of the bell telling us to put our seat belts back on and get ready for landing.

When Jenny and I walked down the gang plank from the plane into the terminal, there waiting for us was my mother and her new husband. She had such a big smile on her face and I nudged Jenny and said, “can we get her in a great mood and tell her that she will soon be a grandma before I break the good news that I am a member of a Highly Secretive Covert Team, which puts me and my teams lives in danger on a daily basis, and not a safe acting school teacher.”

Jen smiled and gave me a wink, then we picked up our step to get to my mother.

My mother grabbed both of us at the same time and gave us both a hug. After she let go, she immediately turned and walked towards the luggage carousal. Both Jenny and I laughed at her movement and I asked, “mom, what is the hurry? We are here for a while, maybe a week or so.”

Jenny then jumped in and said, “Josie, slow down, exactly what Terri just said is correct we are here for a while, we are not leaving on the next plane or anything.”

My mother Josie then stopped and with tears in her eyes said, “I am sorry, but I still have that feeling that you Jenny will return to duty. And that you Terri will go back for some important lecture or, something. I cannot help my feelings, since your brother and uncle would be gone in a second after some call, for another international emergency.”

So, my mom took a deep breath and smiled, but still took off like a fire was behind her and headed to get our luggage.

My new step dad Ron was bringing up the rear as they would say, then he gave a look at me and just shook his head then said, “I am here to just follow orders.” Then he laughed and so did Jenny and me.

We got our luggage and got into the car and headed home. As we drove, I asked my mother if she knew if Uncle Rick and Aunt Stacey would be coming to visit. I felt that he would since he would just love to be sitting in the room when I told my mother what I really do for a living.

She then answered me with, “you know your Uncle, he is never around and then poof suddenly he shows up. I feel that he will today because of both of you here together. Very odd if I may say, but a pleasure to say the least.”

Jen and I looked at each other and smiled, and at the same time I could see Ron looking in the rear-view mirror and he also gave a smile at the two of us. I wondered then, did he know something about me and has not let on yet.

I sat in the back seat and had to know. I then asked Ron, “by the way Ron, my mother never told me what you do for a living.”

He smiled again and again looked in the mirror and said, “oh! I thought that someone in your family would have told you what I did. I am retired, young but had enough. I was the commander of a Covert European Team, and that is how I met your mother. I was part of a group that helped your uncle find and save your brother and Bob in Afghanistan. After that I kept in touch with them. I came back here after I decided that I had enough and when I visited your brother here, I was introduced to the most wonderful woman I have ever met. Your mother.”

Jenny and I both had a look of shock on our faces, then Ron looked into the mirror and said, “I have a feeling that this is going to be a very interesting visit. Don’t you Terri? And I guarantee that your Uncle will be visiting here also.”

Jenny and I just gave each other a slight look, and then I saw my mother looking into the mirror and with a very curious look on her face either too.

Chapter 7

Jenny and I were sitting in the family room watching my mother move around getting things together. My mother in the middle of her running around the condo said, “Terri, Jen, Ron will get you a drink if you want or anything else you may want to have. I am getting some food together that I made earlier, so we can have a snack now then we will have dinner later if you don’t mind. I thought that we can catch up first before we have a big meal, and I did go over board on that today.”

Ron laughed and said, “your mother has made enough to eat, that the entire team I oversaw could not finish.” Then gave me a smile and a nod.

I know what he meant, and I only hope with him being here my mother won’t go completely nuts when I tell her that I have followed my brother and uncle in a field that is very fulfilling for me, and very dangerous too.

Just sitting now and waiting to have my talk with my mother seems to be much harder than any mission that I have been on so far.

Ron brought me a glass of wine and Jenny a soda with a twist of lime. Jenny was startled at what he brought her without requesting it. Jenny looked up at him and before she could say a word he said, “it’s been my job to look into a persons’ eyes and see what makes them tick. After all I interviewed or interrogated many to gather secrets in order to help our people out in the field.”

Jenny then said, “so, is it that obvious? Does Josie know too?”

Ron shook his head with a no, and then responded with, “if she knows anything of your new situation, she is keeping it under wraps very good, even from me.”

Then I asked him, “does she have any knowledge of what my job actually is?”

Again, a shake of the head and saying, “not that I know of, but you know your mother has gone through a lot before and may have learned how to keep things inside her. Just like your brother and uncle.”

My mother came into the family room with a tray of goodies. She had a smile on her face and said, “I do hope you have an appetite today, I think I got a bit carried away with making things that I know you and Jenny like. One good thing is that Ron eats what ever I make. Not picky like your brother and uncle. So, eat up and after a little food, you both can tell me what you have been up to lately. You know your secrets as it were.” A smile and a wink at Ron, then my mother sat and had a plate of her cooking.

I looked at Jenny and she did the same to me. We both now have a good feeling that my mother, her mother in law knows more than she is letting on to.

We all sat still for what seemed like forever, then my mother spoke. With a grin this time not the usual smile, she started this conversation with, “that looks so refreshing Jen, soda and a twist. You know when I was having Charlie, I had a taste for lemonade mostly.” Another grin directed at Jenny.

Jenny almost choked on the food that she was eating after what my mother just said to her. Jenny then said, “Josie, how did you know?”

My mother responded with, “we women have a knack of knowing when another is with child. That glow of satisfaction, the not drinking, and a slight puff to your cheeks. You of anyone that I know who is in the top shape that a person can be in has that puff to her cheeks could only be that you gave up working out, which I doubt, or you are pregnant.”

“So, what do you think, Grandma?” Jenny said with a smile to Josie.

Josie stood up and walked over to Jenny and she stood up also. Then the two hugged each other as if they would ever see each other again. Josie the said, “I hope that you and Charlie will be so happy when your little bundle of joy comes.”

Ron and I could only smile at the two of them as each wiped a tear from each other’s eye. Josie then said, “so, Jenny what are your plans for work during and after the baby comes?”

Jenny told her, “well I am able to either retire or take an extended leave of absence. Retired I am dome, and with the leave I still have all my classified credentials. I would be able to have a conversation with Charlie without him saying, I can’t tell you because it is classified. This way when needed I can help the team and have complete knowledge of where my husband is at.”

My mother then said, “I do believe that the extended leave would make the most sense, don’t you Terri?”

I just nodded with a yes, because I feel that I am next on the firing line.

Jenny and Ron both smiled at Josie and then turned to Terri. They knew that it is now the right time to tell my mother the truth.

I looked at my mother and stuttered before I started to talk. I then gathered all that I could muster together and just as I was about to speak, my mother interrupted and said, “Terri, now that Jenny is going to take her leave, your brother should bring you in from the field and help him more as Jenny was doing. This way you won’t get caught up in another gun battle like you were in the other day.”

We all had looks of amazement on our faces and I could only shrink in my chair lower now. I gave her a look and said, “what do you mean mother?”

Ron got up and asked if anyone needed another drink, because he said, “I definitely need another, and Terri, do you want something a lot stronger than wine?”

I just sat still waiting for my mother to talk again, but she smiled and said, “Terri, I think it is your turn to respond.”

Unknown to either Jenny or myself, my Uncle Rick was standing right behind me. He was good, always able to sneak up on his prey. As I was trying to get my courage together to say something to my mother, I felt two hands on my shoulders and squeezing them while he said, “Terri I think the cat is out of the bag and it is time to fess up to who you really are and what you really do for a living. Your mother already had it figured out a while ago and I promise you that neither Charlie or I said a word to her about you.”

I looked at my mother and lowered my head before I came clean. “Mom, I am so sorry that I didn’t tell you the truth of my real job. I wanted to for a long time, especially after I found out that the person that not only recommended me and is one of my commanders now was Charlie. Please don’t be mad at him for what I do, I think that he felt if what I have picked for a career for myself was being an agent, then why not have me under his wing so he could protect me and keep me from running rampant around the world under someone’s else’s leadership. One that cared only about the mission and not those who do it. So now I am telling you who and what I am, can you forgive me? And not that it will change your feelings of me, but I am very good at what I do too.”

My mother without a smile got up from her chair and walked over to me and knelt down in front of me, she took both of my hands in hers and said, “Terri I love you so much and only want the best for you. I did hope that you, becoming a school teacher was what you wanted, but I think that it was more of what I did. I should have known with your brother and uncle type of lives, you would continue in their footsteps. I know that you will be a great agent but promise me that you will not take chances that you shouldn’t and always stay safe, if possible.”

I held onto my mothers’ hands so tightly, and tears started to roll down my cheeks. I tried to talk but couldn’t at that moment. Then Jenny broke the moment of tears, with her saying, “remember one thing Josie, I am going to have your grand baby and will be out of the inner team for some time. I know that Charlie will do what he can to have Terri come into the inner sanctum, as they say. If not, I agree with Terri on her skills. She has become the best of the best. Yes, a lot has to do with her watching and listening to her brother and uncle, plus many others that she encountered over the years from Charlie’s and Uncle Rick’s units. But she sprang to the top of her field because of her being a teacher, for as short of a time that it was. She knows so much of world history and the different cultures that she may be involved in when sent for a mission. Terri is quick witted and an excellent marksman. Not that you want to know that part, but with her skills in self-defense, shooting, being a thinker before a doer, she will survive and with the help of her team, hopefully for a very long time.”

Josie then said, “I agree with what you have said Jenny, but the last few words is what I am worried about, you said hopefully, when you talked about her being safe.”

Then Uncle Rick came to the rescue and said, “ok, all of you gloom and doom people, I thought that this was to be a reunion of sorts with Terri finally coming home for a visit and the great news of Charlie and Jenny having a baby. So, let us have a drink and toast that, then eat. I am hungry.”

I then said with a smile now, “uncle Rick you are always hungry. How do you stay so thin? Your wife must give you a big batch of honey do lists, right.”

Everyone laughed, and we had a drink and something to eat. I looked around the room and saw that my uncle was in a deep conversation with my new step dad, Ron. I could only imagine what was being said. My mother and Jen smiling and hugging, I know why to. My mother will have her first grand child and now thinks that me having one soon is totally off.

I sat back and took in all my family and thought that how long before I am here again with them and even with Charlie and uncle Ricks wife, and kids.

With that thought I then dozed off and all the others went into the kitchen to eat and talk, so not to disturb my rest. Which I needed and that they also knew that I needed it to.

Chapter 8

One week after I left my mothers home I still was waiting for an assignment from the higher ups. I feel that one of those up top, my brother Charlie for one, are having me push paper instead of going out into the field. I have a feeling that my mother has more pull in my assignments than the Generals.

The whole time that I was sitting at a desk putting papers from one pile to the other, I would see my old team members getting ready to go out on assignment or come back from one. I was afraid to ask hem how things are going well knowing that it would seem as if I was upset with my duties that I have been assigned to.

Every so often a team mate would stop by the desk and ask how I am doing, but that only made be more furious inside at what I have been chosen to do for work lately. I would always be pleasant to who ever would stop by, but I know that they knew I was not a happy camper.

I began to stare up at the ceiling thinking of what may be happening around the world today and I am missing it.

As I was counting the ceiling tiles again, I heard a voice coming from the other side of the room. “Hey! Want to go on assignment tomorrow?” I almost twisted my neck when I heard those words spoken to me. I looked up and it was Charlie, smiling away.

He gave a chuckle and said, “well I feel that you have suffered enough, and mom will be happy that I did what she wanted me to do and that is take you out of the field. She didn’t however say for how long.”

I jumped up and almost gave him a hug, but then realized that would not be proper. I gave him a smirk and said, “so, commander, that lady sure does have some pull around here. When I am out in the field what are you going to say to her for an excuse?”

Charlie said, “leave that up to me, but you will not be deep in the field yet. I have a few easy ones that will take a little time to accomplish, but I know that you will at least feel free from that desk. Follow me back into my office and let me tell you what I have for you.”

Chapter 9

Such a beautiful day to sit on a bench in a park in Washington D.C. I have been instructed to follow a Russian Diplomat around town, and to make sure that I am caught doing it. I am not to sure why this assignment is so important especially since I am to be seen by this person. Oh well something must be important for me to do this. I at least am relaxing in the sunshine watching not only my mark, but also all of those who are taking advantage of this day in the park.

My person of interest got up from his bench and started to walk slowly away from me. I know that he is testing me if I am going to continue to follow him.

Just as I got up my phone rung and it was Charlie. I was pleasant with him even though he gave me this assignment.

“Hello sir, do you need an update on how many pigeons that I feed today?” Then I knew that was not right and then said, “Sorry sir a bit bored.”

Charlie then responded with, “well Terri you did a great job today with the assignment I gave you, because of you making sure that you are watched by others, that you were following this man, the real assignment came over to our side just now. You were a decoy so that the real person would not be thought of the one who is defecting to our country. But now you have to finish the assignment by walking up to the man that you have been watching today and talk to him.”

I was confused at what he just said and responded with, “you want me to go to this person and talk to him about what?”

Charlie answered me with, “since no one knows who you are and so that we keep your identity secret, you will act as if you remember him from gymnastics twenty years ago. He resembles the Russian coach that took many to gold in the Olympics. You will be a star struck American girl who did gymnastics years ago and wanted to meet him but was shy to do it. Got it? Then get back to me, we have another assignment for you, it is not far from your present location, so after you finish with the man, call and I will tell you what it is.”

I hung up and slowly walked over to the man that I have followed today and as I approached him, he turned and said, “so my dear what government agency do you work for?”

Now I understood why Charlie came up with that story. I stumbled with my words trying to seem that I was shy then said, “I am sorry sir, but I just wanted to say hello to you. I have followed your career instructing the Russian gymnastic team years ago. I was a gymnast and admired your way of training.”

Just then the man laughed and gave me gentle look before he said anything to me.

Madam, I am very appreciative that you think that I am the great gymnastic coach that you think I am. I have been told that I look a bit like him, but sorry, I am not him. But I will tell him of having a young American gymnastic admirer, when I return home to Russia.”

I lowered my head as if I was embarrassed and apologized to him and thanked him for entertaining a girl who now sees that she has made a great big mistake. “But if you would tell him that he still is admired in the gymnastic world I would appreciate it.”

We shook hands and parted. I am safe again. Charlie was right if I didn’t do this now, I would be added to a list of those to watch in the future, a secret agent. I now walked away but waited to call Charlie until I was out of site of the Russian Diplomat.

Chapter 10

A text message showed up on my phone and it was Charlie. It said, “Lincoln memorial, text me when there and I will give instructions of new assignment”.

Even for me a bit cloak and dagger type of stuff. But what can I do, until Charlie gives me a real job that is not only intriguing but fun, and possibly a little dangerous.

I gave him a text that I was close, and then my phone rang, and it was Charlie. “Terri, go to that food cart and get a lemonade with two straws. Go and sit on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and put the drink on your right side. After you get there give a text. A man will stop by you and act as if he is taking pictures of the statue. Do not talk or make any eye contact with him. He will then come up to you and ask if you would take a picture of him in front of the memorial. As you get up, he will help you and at the same time put an envelope into your pocket. After that come straight into the office and then the job is done. Got it?”

I answered back with a yes, then we both hung up.

I stopped by the food cart to get my lemonade and as I waited for the man to get it for me, I smelled the hot dogs and they did smell great. But Charlie said only the drink, so I will have to wait to have lunch later.

I walked up to the memorial and even to this day I get a thrill from standing in front of not only the huge statue but also the great man that is sitting on a chair. I cannot believe how small I am in comparison to this man who did so much for our country, and its’ people. He cared about all and what did he get in return, a person or group who only cared for power, that which they were losing because of what he has doing to bring this country together.

I sat down and gave Charlie a text. I waited for about fifteen minutes and then an Oriental looking man came in front of me and started to take pictures of the monument.

I just sat still and waited for him to ask me to take his picture. As I waited, he started to make his way to me. He was two steps away and just to my right when I saw it. A gun, a man was at the bottom of the steps and pulled out what looked like a 9mm with a silencer on it. He was pointing it the man that I was to meet and without waiting I yelled at him to duck down. I also let him know that a man was pointing a gun at him. Just then a snap of the gun was barely heard by me, and I know not by any others.

The man turned towards the shooter and when he did, the shots went right into him. I could see by the blood spots that he hit him with three direct shots. The man then stumbled and as he did, came fell into my lap. When he did at the same time, he put an envelope inside of my blouse. I didn’t flinch at that but at what just happened.

I know that what he gave me was what I was to obtain from him in a much calmer way, not in a shootout. Why does that happen to me, a normal drop turns into a murder scene and a gun battle. I do mean a battle because right after the man fell on me and put the envelope into my blouse, I spun away from him behind a pillar. As I waited a second to see what this person was going to do next, I found out and it was not in my best interest to just sit still. I tried to gaze around the pillar but as I did a shot ricocheted off the pillar a foot above my head.

I then took my small hand bag and had it show about two feet above me, just a little showing as if by accident. As I did that, he took a shot. And after he did, I was as low as I could go and still reach up and looked around the pillar and took my shot. Mine was better than his. I didn’t want to kill him but injure him enough to be able to interrogate him later back at the office.

A direct hit in the knee. With that he dropped his gun and that is when I got up to check the man that was shot. He was dead, but I did get what I came for. I looked around and people started to come around and take pictures. I stood behind the pillar out of site and then the Police showed up and I just tried to sneak away. But not soon enough, because an officer stopped me and told me not to move and to drop my gun, the one that I still had out after shooting the original shooter.

I turned it in my hand and then lowered it to the cement. After I came back up the officer came around my back in order to hand cuff me. I stopped him and told him to call a number. He looked at me with bewilderment but did just that. As he dialed the number, I told him that I needed to stay away from any cameras or news media. This time he nodded, because I feel he now got the jest of who I am.

When he said hello to who answered the phone, all he said was, yes sir, I understand sir, and then he hung up. He looked at me and said come with me I will see to it that no photos or media interviews happen. I gave him a smile and he said to me, “how does such a little, beautiful women become a bad ass killer like yourself?”

I responded with, “first I am not that little, but I thank you for the beautiful comment. I am just following my family trees way of life.”

I gave him a wink and said, “thanks” then we left together around the monument to stay away from the crowd that just formed.

As we went around back, a Medical Vehicle pulled up and first took the dead man and put him inside then the one that I shot. It was fast and with a truck that had no real signage on it only medical unit. So, I guess Charlie worked quick so that the real paramedics would not get these two first.

The officer looked at me and said, “miss, you have blood on your blouse, I suggest that you zip up that hoody, so no one sees it.”

I thanked him and zipped it up then made my way to my vehicle all the time being followed by the officer. I turned and let him know that I will be ok and that he could go back to his duties that he was doing before my little skirmish during my so-called easy mission.

He said, “sorry, but my orders are making sure that you get to your car then inside before I start to leave, and to watch you drive off before I return back to my duties.”

I shook my head at what he just said and know where his orders came from, my brother Charlie. Oh well at least I am not behind a desk still.

I entered the building where headquarters was at and made my way up the elevator to Charlies floor and got out. As I looked around, I noticed that the place was a bit chaotic. Not that it isn’t at times but now I guess because I am around more, I see more. Charlie came out of his office and waved me in. I entered his office, well that is what it is called, but it really looks like a giant computer room. Monitors, computers, maps and such all over and one small desk in the corner. That was his desk.

I smiled and opened my hoody, then reached in my bloody blouse and took out the envelope that man stuffed inside. As I did, I noticed Charlie sit up a bit then said, “are you alright, I mean the blood.”

I told him that it wasn’t mine but the man that gave me the envelope.

He sat back and reached for the item that caused one man to be dead, another seriously injured with a gun shot to his knee. And me a little shook up but not anything serious except ruining a new blouse.

I asked Charlie what was so important that a man is dead and another wounded. I could have killed him, but I decided that he may be of use in who hired him to shoot that man.”

Charlie opened the envelope and took out some papers and read them quickly. Then said, “these papers hold all the locations of North Koreas Nucellar sites and missile launch pads. You did a good job Terri.”

Chapter 11

After the last assignment, I decided to take an easy one by going to Vermont up by the Canadian border to pick up an old friend of mine. He was with me in training and we became good friends. Really good ones, we were not because of feelings, because that just may get you killed someday. Charlie was the one who is sending me because he said that I did a great job on the last one, then take a for real, this time easy one. Going up to Vermont and driving Ken back from his mission in Canada was like a vacation more than a mission. Well it just may turn into a drinking and getting caught up mission.

He crossed the border where I am picking him up because he was to be a vagabond who was traveling through the Canadian Rockies and that he was not driving or flying. His mission is a secret, but I am sure I may get a bit of what it was after a few drinks in him.

I am packed, car gassed up and now ready to start my new assignment. Oh, what fun this one will be, I do hope.

This trip should be around 10 hours to just north of Swanton Vt. From Arlington Va. Where I reside. I should fly up to Burlington and rent a car to go the rest of the way, but I like my car. Comfortable and a real nice ride with loads of equipment, like bullet proof vest, shot gun, AR-15 semi auto, extra magazines for that and my two extra 9mm that I also have for that special moment, a M-203 grenade launcher, and few assorted knives and what my uncle Bob loved, Flash Bang Grenades. He loved them when they went bang and a flash, that gave that old man an instant longer to get his prey. When my Uncle Rick and him, were under siege in Ohio and St Louis, he wanted those over regular ones.

So packed and armed, now I go. I know that I will probably stop half way to rest and continue after that. I am doing the drive all at once except for a few breaks along the way.

Driving for about ¾’s the way there, I decided to take another stop just inside of Vermont, on a two-lane country road. I pulled just off to the side which gave both lanes more than enough to pass me. But I was not resting very long when a State Trooper pulled up behind me and I could see that he was checking out my plate. I know that what it says is that it is registered to a dummy corporation and that I have documents to prove that I am an employee of that company. So, I will wait and see what other questions that this trooper may want answered.

A few minutes later another trooper vehicle pulled up along side of my car but across the road, going in the opposite direction. These guys either are bored or see a good-looking woman all by herself sitting in a car off the side of the road. Well we will see, one got out across from and just stood there, the other slowly walked up to my side of the car.

The one by my window motioned for me to roll down the window, which was half way down as it was already. I obeyed his wishes and did what he wanted. I then asked him, “officer, what have I done wrong for you to pull behind me and another across the street?”

He just gave me and my car a good look over, and I think he was more interested in the car and what might be in it.

He than said, “license and registration please, and what brings you to Vermont?”

I smiled as I took out my license and registration and handed them to him. Then said, “I am driving up to the Canadian border in order to pick up a friend that has just come home from up north on a wandering adventure.”

Then he asked me to open my trunk. Well you know what he will find inside of my trunk, enough fire power to squelch a small revolution. So, with the smile I answered with a “no, I feel that I didn’t do anything wrong by sitting off the road and see no need to go through my belongings in the trunk.”

Now the other one came over as he heard my answered to the one wanting to inspect my trunk. So, I didn’t want a problem from these two officers, I decided that I would open the trunk. As I did, they both stood back a bit and put their hand on the pistol in the holster that they had on their hip. When the trunk opened what they saw was a cover with a digital combination lock and nothing else. One said, “would you please open this container in your trunk.”

I gave him a look and this time without the smile and just said, “no, I will not.”

The two were now getting antsy so I told them if you will, call this number and tell the one that answerers the phone that you are holding an innocent person and asking her to do something that she refuses to do.”

One shook his head with a no, but the other did make the call. Watching his face as he was connected to the person on the other end of the line was priceless. He stumbled with his words and hung up. Then said to the other trooper, let her go and we will not be bothering her any longer. The one gave a look and said, “why? Who is she and who were you talking to?”

The trooper just said the Sheriff and the Governor were both on with some other guy named Charlie. So, we apologize for any inconvenience and you may go any time that you want to.”

I thanked them both for there service to the community and harbor no ill feelings of what just took place. Then rolled my window back up a bit, but before I drove off, I heard the one trooper say, “she must be some type of secret agent or diplomat of some kind.”

And with that I decided to leave before anymore questions are asked by these two. I smiled and gave a wave and pulled back onto the road and drove away.

Chapter 12

I finally arrived at the place for which I am to meet Ken. I was tired and a little hungry now but decided to sit in the car and wait for him to come across the border. I thought that if I did go somewhere to eat that I might miss him. After all he does not know who is here to pick him up yet. Just a code word when I see him.

While waiting I got a little antsy and got out of the car and walked towards the border pathway. I really can’t remember Ken other than how he looked so many years ago. But what I was told that he was a backpacker walking through Canada. Which means that he will be unrecognizable. Thankfully he will have a peace symbol on his left leg just above his knee. And the colors will be red, white and blue, so hopefully I will catch that right away. I slowly walked towards the exit from the causeway that let those enter the USA from Canada.

I watched closely for the symbol but when I did, I noticed something a bit odd about Ken’s actions and that he kept looking back at the exit. I then saw that a car was following him, and he did what he could to run ahead of it.

I began to move quicker towards him and as I did, he noticed me and yelled out in a panic. Terri, run don’t stay here. Call your brother and tell him that I have been compromised.

I hesitated for a second and as I was just about to run towards him, not caring of my own well being but only that of helping a fellow agent and friend. I then saw what he was running from, that car that was behind him slowed down but not after firing what seemed like a hundred shots at the border guards.

Then four men with AK-47’s jumped out of the car and shot at everyone around but mainly directly at Ken. He was falling and looked up at me with sad eyes and fell to the ground riddled with bullets.

They now took notice of who he was looking at and started to fire in my direction. I quickly raised my gun to meet their challenge. I unloaded my entire magazine in their direction, hitting two of the four that were shooting at me now. I knew that if the others get out and with the fire power that they seem to have I will not make it.

I decided then that there was nothing that I could do for Ken now, so I turned and ran as fast as I could to my car, where with the armaments that I have in the trunk would make this a fair fight, even if I am outnumbered.

With the remote in one hand and my 9mm in the other I opened the trunk lid and got behind the car. The men that killed Ken and were shooting at me seemed to switch their targets and were shooting at anyone and everyone. With the situation changing, I hit the four-digit code that would open the case in the trunk with enough fire power to hold off these guys until help arrives.

I took a deep breath and calmly put on my bullet proof vest, then put on my belt with the holsters that will hold my other two 9mm pistols. I attached a bag of flash bag grenades and extra magazines for the 9mm’s and the AR-15 that I strung over my shoulder. Now feeling prepared I came around the back of my car and when I did, I almost bumped into a State Trooper that was running towards my direction and away from the shooting.

When he saw me, he stopped and said, “looks as if you are ready for them? Who are you, and what do you think you alone can do to those men back there?”

I shook my head and said, “my duty sir.” Then he asked me an unusual question especially since he was running away from the fight. “Do you have anymore toys? I can’t hold off those guys with just a pistol, but with what you have and if you have a little something for me, I think that we may just save the day today.”

I opened the case and his eyes popped when he saw what was left after I was completely armed to the hilt. I pointed in the case and he immediately took out the shot gun, along with the grenade launcher. He took a few of my 15 round magazines for his 9mm and stuffed them in his belt. He then motioned that we go.

I told him, “I am crossing the street and you stay on this side, when we get closer the men, I will position myself on a car or something to steady my aim. I am an excellent shot with the rifle, so I will signal you to open fire with the shot gun, that way hopefully they will turn their attention to you and that will give me time and a great opportunity to pick them off one at a time.”

He nodded with an ok and we started to walk towards them. As I was walking my phone rang and when I looked down it was Charlie calling. He must have heard already of what is happening here now.

I was hitting the ear receiver to answer the call when the trooper opened fire early. I didn’t talk but left the line open for Charlie to hear what was going on. The trooper now started to cross the street towards the men shooting at him. He had his pistol out and the shot gun, so I think he felt pretty sure of himself.

Charlie was talking in my ear and asked me, “what is going on Terri? An analyst just came into my office and said to me that he has heard of a gun battle near the Canadian border in upper Vermont.” He then asked me, “is agent Walker up there?”

I could only say, “these men followed Ken across the border and shot him dead, right in front of me. Right now, a trooper is playing hero and taking the fire so that I can get a good shot at the men shooting.”

Then Charlie said, “Terri please do not take any chances. I have already ordered a rapid deployment unit from the Burlington Guard Station, they should be by you soon.”

I then said, “sorry but by the time they arrive this town will be flowing in blood, and I can’t let that happen.”

A grunt came from Charlie at what I said to him, but I know that he agrees with me and that it is my fight for now.

While the trooper was taking fire, I steadied my rifle, not using any object to put it on, but stand and aim.

I saw the opportunity to take a shot at two men on my side of the street and took one shot then the other. I smiled to myself and under my breath said, “got you two, now the others.”

Charlie heard that and said, good shooting. I then gave a grunt because a bullet hit me in the vest. Even though it stopped it, it still took the wind out of me. Charlie heard that to and asked, “are you ok Terri? I thought I heard you just get hit.”

I answered with, “yes in the vest and now that just made me even madder at these guys. All hell is about to be unleashed on them now.”

I was taking out a flash bang when I saw the trooper go down. I now know that it is me and only me. So, I pulled the pin on one flash bang and threw it as far as I could in the direction of the shooters. It landed about 10 feet from them and when it went off, you could see them grab their ears and then have that blind stare in their eyes. Now this was my chance to get closer and hopefully end this situation.

Charlie heard the bang and asked, “what was that?”

I responded with I just used one of Uncle Bob’s favorite toys.”

Charlie gave a chuckle and kept silent, for he knows that I was about to go on the offensive and needed all my concentration right now.

I moved quickly along the line of parked cars until an opening between a few, that is when I stepped out into the open and with a 9mm in one hand and the AR-15 in the other, I attacked. I was firing as I walked, and they did not return any fire for they were hiding behind a car.

I felt that they would start firing again when I must reload. But what they didn’t know was that I already pulled out my other pistol and dropped the one that I was using since it was empty.

With that I paused a second to have it seem that I was reloading, when they stood up to fire back at me, they will receive their just reward.

I was close enough to be accurate with the 9mm, so I dropped the AR-15 to the ground and aimed at the area around the car waiting for the first to raise their head to check out the situation. And when the first one did, I waited, for others hopefully to get up. With one that would not work, because then the others could wait me out or take turns shooting from different angles. When the one got up, I made it look as if I was trying to reload. He said something to the others and the other four got up.

Now it is fair I thought, not realizing that Charlie was hearing everything said and being done right now, I raised my pistol and with great care to aim correctly, I shot three of the five that were left. The other two dropped back down to the ground and this time I really had to reload.

The two stood and with a smile on both of their faces raised their rifles to shoot me. But then I heard a sound, a sound coming from a grenade launcher. Looking in the direction of the trooper that was shot and went down, he was propped up against a car and took the shot. With a blast of the grenade the car exploded, and the remaining guys went up in smoke. I gave thumb up to the trooper and he just nodded.

Charlie said, “is it over?”

I said, “yes brother, all is well, and by the way was this another one of your easy missions?” I laughed, and he did to.

I told him, “I will wait for the unit, but in the mean time I am going over by Ken. I want to check and see if he has any information on him that I should get before any others come. Then I will disappear from here and go back to D.C. for a briefing. Then if I may, take a real few days off. But thanks to my training, the trooper, and the arsenal that I carry, things turned out pretty good. All except for Ken.”

The only words that Charlie said was, ‘Terri take your time coming back, stop at a motel and rest. Don’t try and get here tomorrow, but maybe a few days alone may help the pain of loosing a friend and fellow agent.”

I just gave a grunt along with, “roger that sir, will see you in a few days” Then we both ended the call.

Chapter 13

Two weeks later after a long rest and the memorial for Ken, I decide that it was time to get back to work. I called headquarters and asked for my brother, but I heard an unbelievable thing, he was on vacation. I almost fell off my chair when his aide told me. I asked her, “so where did Charlie go, and how long will he be off?”

She then told me, “your brother is with Jenny in St Louis visiting your mother. He told me that you have nothing going on right now so if you want to come out and visit, your mom would love it, and so would Jen and him.”

I thanked her for the information and hung up. I sat still for a minute trying to decide to go or not. I was just at home not long ago and I think that Charlie and Jen need to have all the fuss over them without me, interfering in it. My mother may miss me but with her son and daughter in law there and with a new grand baby coming, I bet she doesn’t even mention my name the whole time those two are there. And if Charlie and Jen get a place not far away from mom, even better.

I gave it some thought of what I could do, or where I can go until another assignment comes in. Visit Samantha, Bob and Sienna’s daughter up in New Jersey. Maybe Bob in Ohio, no not a good idea especially after having his daughter’s mother Sienna involved in a gun battle not long ago. Do what, where, who or just get a cat and stay home. Now that made me laugh.

I may just go and visit my old roommate Laurie, from college, who also is an agent but does not work close by, I haven’t seen her since we both graduated from special ops secret agent school. That is what we called it anyways. We did have fun, and she also knew Ken, and I didn’t hear a word from her about his death, or maybe they kept it that secret.

I took out my phone and looked up Laurie Smith’s number to call her. I figured that I should call before I make the trip to her place, after all she may be on assignment somewhere and I would be going for no reason than.

I dialed her number from my contact list and waited for it to go through. A few seconds later a recording came on and it said, “you have reached Laurie and Tom, sorry that we missed your call, but we are not available at this time, please leave a message so I can return the call, thanks and have a great day, bye.”

I was stunned to hear that she is with a man named Tom. In this business you have no idea of what the others life is like, we know nothing but that of they are agents and nothing else. I guess I will wait for her call back, but I think I should try another person or just go buy that cat. So sad my life is, great ideas and aspirations of what my life was to be, then the team and all that disappeared. But I would never change a thing.

I decided to look for another person to call, or some place that I could go to, while I waited for her call back. It would still be great to at least talk to her if not even go for a visit and meet this new man of hers.

Approximately 15 minutes later a call came in with no number showing in my caller ID. That was odd because my phone will pick up any number that calls me, government issued spy type stuff.

I answered it and then heard, “who is this?”

I said back with, “you first, after all you called me.”

Then the person on the phone said, “no, you called a number and I want to know why?”

I answered with, “I called an old friend not you, so how did you get my number?”

Then the light bulb lit above my head and I said, “are you an agent or affiliated with one?”

The caller said, “what is your unit ID?”

I responded with, “Omaha.”

Then the caller said, “so you are one of my bud’s girls?”

“No” I said, “I am agent Terri Walker, what is your ID and name?”

He laughed a second then said, “ID is Ron’s Rangers, and my name is Jeffrey Jones, Miss Walker. Sorry for the slang about Charlie, but he and I go way back.”

He paused then said, “just about as long as you were still in high school before you went to college to become a teacher. And now you are the acclaimed Terri Walker Secret Agent.”

I laughed first and said, “acclaimed who? I am just another agent, not acclaimed at all. And Ron, is that my mother’s husband?”

He answered, “yes, even though he is retired, we kept his ID.”

Then he was just about to say something when I interrupted him and asked, “I called Laurie, so why do you call back?”

He responded with, “she is on an extended assignment and when someone calls that is not a normal a caller we get involved, but since it is Charlie’s baby sister, I guess it is ok to let you know what is going on.”

I am Terri Walker and not Charlie’s baby anything.”

“Sorry, but you don’t remember me, when you graduated high school, I was with your brother in Europe, that is why he wasn’t at the graduation ceremony. Sorry but I think you now know it’s the job.” He said shyly.

I responded with, “well Jeff, I am sorry also, but can you tell me where she is or when she may come back to town?”

He said, “nope, total secret, even from me. But I am available if you want to talk. Sorry, that was out of order.”

“That is ok, but who is Tom?” I asked.

“Just a name we put on her phone to make it look as if she is a regular person.” He said to me.

Then I said to Jeff, “if I don’t buy a cat, I just may call you back to meet. If that would be ok with you?”

He said, “that would be great, if you want to, we can meet half way, or I can just come to D.C. and see you.”

So, you know who I am and where I am, no secrets with you are there.”

He said with a chuckle, “in this business we know all that we can of every person working with a unit. But when you said your name, I went right to your file to see if you were who you said you were and well still single?”

“And why would me being single make a difference that I called an old friend?” I asked.

He then apologized to me again, and said, “what I remember of you, is that you were a great looking and a kind woman, also are a bad ass agent now.”

I responded with, “thank you and if I decide, I will call again. Have a great day.”

So now I know about Laurie and Tom, I also have a date if I want to. So, what should I do now? No Cat!

Chapter 14

Laying out on my balcony that over looks a park, I just decided to wait for a mission and take it easy. But I didn’t have to wait too long for that call. A call came in from Charlies unit and I answered it quickly. I asked, “Charlie, what made you end your vacation so early, I thought that you were to stay for two weeks.”

Then the voice on the other end spoke in a gruff and very military way. “I am not Charlie, I am General Kelly. I am overseeing his unit until he gets back. You know the bad guys don’t take vacations, so I am here to see to it that they all get a permanent one.”

I stood as he talked because of his mannerisms and right to the point speech. I felt that I was in boot camp all over again, then said, “sir, I do apologize my lack of protocol when answering the phone.”

He responded with, “that is ok agent, I understand that Charlie is your brother and you two have a different approach to formality. But you are talking with me now and I do require more respect, if you don’t mind agent.”

I agreed and then asked him, “so sir, what is the reason of your call to me today, I thought that there were no immediate missions going on now. “

He said, “no, nothing on the horizon that would make your brother feel at ease with it. You see we all understand that he will do his best to make sure your assignments are not in the middle of trouble. But as we have noticed recently your missions seem to end up in some type of a gun battle. The most recent was a dozy. But done right and with respect for those around you. The trooper gave a very inspiring account of what happened in Vermont and what lengths you went to solve the situation without any injuries to a bystander, even though he was shot, he did tell us that it was his choice to do what he could to have the men direct their attention to him so that you could have a good shot at them.”

“Thank you, sir, I think.” I said back to him.

“Don’t, thank anyone but the gun that you were using at the time. It was the one thing that had your back all the time.” He said.

“Well sir, I did use a few helpers to solve that problem. But you are right that without my training and weapons, I would have had a memorial just as Ken did.” I responded with.

He paused a second and said, “he was a great agent and will be missed by all that knew him. Now back to the reason for my call. You recently tried to get in contact with Laurie, a fellow agent and friend, right?”

I said, “yes sir, I wanted to visit her since it seemed that I had no projects that needed my attention. So, this mission is about or to be with her?”

After a minute pause again, he spoke to me with a very quiet voice and said, “agent Smith was on assignment in a major city in this country. The name of the city I will tell you along with what you must do when you come in for a briefing today. Back to her assignment, well as you know things don’t go exactly as we plan them to, and this one was no different. She was to just tail a suspect with no possibility of encountering him or who he may meet with. But somehow, she was spotted and taken. We have no idea of where she is or if she is even still alive. That is why I want you to go, first you will have a purpose to do what is right more than any other agent would, I feel that you will not give up with the first bit of bad luck locating her, am I right so far Agent Walker?”

I answered immediately with, “you are correct General, I will not give up the search for her or her body, and after that, hopefully finish the mission she was on in the first place.”

He than said, “get in here as soon as possible and we will go over what her mission was, and what yours will be. I and Agent Smith are counting on that training and ability to get out of any trouble that you may encounter while on this mission. Also, I will tell your brother of what you will be doing, but only after you have left on it. We don’t want his or your feelings to interfere with the assignment. Agree Agent Walker?”

I responded with “I agree and will be in soon.”

I got dressed in real clothes, a tank top and shorts are not appropriate at this time, so a search and rescue mission. I only hope that it is a rescue and not a recover one. I am ready no matter what it is.

As I drove to headquarters to talk to General Kelly, I said to myself, Laurie I am on my way girl. Stay strong.

Then I arrived at the building where the general and most of the units are stationed at this time.

Chapter 15

As I entered the building where I was to be briefed on this mission, I thought of that someday another agent could be looking for me just as I am about to undertake a mission to find Agent Laurie Smith, alive, I hope.

But with that thought I chased it out of my mind and only thought of this mission and how important it is, not only to me but to Laurie.

I took the elevator up to the floor I was to be at, I would normally take the stairs but today I need all my energy to go to my mind for concertation of what I am to be told today. No mistakes on this mission.

I entered the room where General Kelly was in and told the desk clerk who I was and is the General ready for me yet. She nodded with a yes and as she escorted me to his office, she kept looking back at me. I asked her, “is there something wrong or is there an object hanging from my nose?”

She responded with, “I am so sorry Agent Walker, but you do have quite an interesting history for a young agent. Most men would love to see all the action that has come your way. I am proud to have met such an agent as you today.”

I smiled and had no response to what she just said to me. I felt like a rock star suddenly, but that thought I got out of my mind, because thoughts like that will get you killed, not maybe.

We came to his office door and she motioned me to wait. I did and instead of taking a seat I walked around the room and looked at the pictures hanging on the wall. He had ones with him and presidents, other Generals, movie stars, and rock bands. Then I came across a picture that was hanging dead center of the wall, and that one was of the General and my Uncle Rick. I had no idea that they knew each other. I read the inscription at the bottom, and it said General Kelly and his most proficient Special Op’s Sniper Rick. I was astounded with this picture and as I stood in silence looking at it, the door opened, and General Kelly came out to greet me.

When seeing what picture that I was looking at he said, “your uncle was the best that I have ever taught. He came to me skinny and green, then retired a solid skinny, but with rock hard muscles, along with a record of shots that many are still trying to match or beat. I am very proud to have been associated with him.”

I could only smile and give a nod in agreement. Then I moved away from the wall and went over to greet the General, no hand shake but a salute. He then smiled and moved in for the hug. I leaned back, for not exactly protocol.

He said, “Terri I have known you for longer than you know, with your uncle, now your brother under my command I feel that we are like family. But let me remind you that in a second from now, we are a unit and I am the commander and you the agent.” Then he turned and went into the office.

I followed him and waited for him to motion for me to have a seat on a chair around a small table.

Seated now across from the General, I again waited for him to speak first. He opened a file and glanced over it. Then looked up at me and started the conversation with, “I told you before that Agent Smith was on assignment but didn’t tell you where. She was to observe and send back information on a new group of extremely bad people. They are from different areas of the world and all are said to be setting up in Los Angeles, Ca. You know that the city seems to be a sanctuary city and any illegal of any type is free to live and do business in it. She was to find all that she could without letting on who she was and why she was there.”

I nodded that I was following him, and he paused a second and took a breath, then continued with, “This group of men and women are from, what we can tell, drug cartels, terrorist cells, gangs of many nationalities, like Russian, Latino, American, etc. you get the jest of it, don’t you?”

Again, I could only give my head a nod because what he is telling me so far is that Laurie can be in a bit of a spot or worse.

I continued to be silent and waited for him to continue to give me all that I may need, or at least as much as possible of her assignment.

The General again continued and said, “we hope that she is still alive because as you know training kicks in right away with every situation that you encounter. She is an American white woman government agent. Prime person to hold for possible later negotiation, trade of people, or a sex slave. The later is the most probable because these people all inflate their ego’s by having a woman like her. I do hope that I am wrong, but I highly doubt it. So, time is of the essence.”

“When was the last time that you heard any reports from her and where was she last seen? I just need to know for where I should be starting at. I don’t want to go to her beginning without knowing the last time first. She is a smart agent and somewhere along the way she has left clues.” I said to the General.

The General smiled and said, “that is exactly why we want you on this mission, not only do you know her and her ways, even though many may have changed from the last time that you both were together, but you and her think alike, I have seen it. We will give you all her reports and every location that she was or was to be. One other thing that I want from you, and that is if or when you do locate her, and she is alive, no heroics, call for the Calvary and I will have a team with you in an hour or so. So, promise me that you will not take any unnecessary chances on the mission you are about to go on?”

I nodded but didn’t say the words, I promise, and I saw that he caught that, and he could only smile and nod in understanding my feelings of this situation that Laurie has gotten into.

Chapter 16

Five hours later after reviewing all the information that Laurie had sent back here from her investigation of this new criminal group, I still didn’t have a great place to start.

I gathered up all that I could take with me and thought that maybe sitting somewhere, like a park or coffee shop, away from here and my place would be the best to make my plan for when I get to California and start my investigation of the disappearance of Agent Laurie Smith.

I ended up at a patio of a coffee shop that I go to every so often when in this area. I know that it could be very busy at times but that is good so that I don’t look as if I have now where to go because I feel that I may be here for some time.

I took a seat close to the door so as when or if I wanted more coffee or a bite to eat, I could get it quickly. As I sat there opening the folders that I brought with me I went back in time with my thoughts of all the things that Laurie and I did together, and the plans that we had when we were agents.

Well, even the best laid plans sometimes don’t work out. The plans that we had were good sounding, but after the graduation the government split us up, because they said two great agents need not to be together in the field, spread around the talent with those that are not as good.

Great words but sad ones also when we found out that we would be split up. But at the same time, we made a vow to stay in contact as much as we would be allowed to. And to try a visit once a year. Well the once a year has now been three and the visit, we are about to have is me doing what I can to locate her and bring her back home. Alive, I truly hope.

Getting back to my work, I took out my iPad and brought up a map of LA area and with what I gathered from Laurie’s reports, I marked each area that she sent items of interest of that were sent from what she felt were spots of interest. I now had a better idea of her travels around the area she was investigating.

Looking at the x’s on the map that I put, I see a slight pattern to where she may have been moving around. When she made an entry of buildings that were possible safe houses, or were that of a living quarter, I marked in green and those of places that were gathering spots of the different gangs, I did red.

What I see is that she made the living apartments or condos priority. That way she would know if they are home or not. The leaders of these different groups usually would be in a high-rise condo and the underlings an apartment or what looked like some type of group housing. Probably for the ones that did the dirty work.

Laurie’s place that she lived in was right in the middle of the areas that she was investigating, smart girl stays in a place that you can observe the goings on without being noticed as actually doing that. She somehow was found out, but how and by who?

Each place that she gave information on was that of high-ranking people. Each one had the living place, places that were frequently visited by each. Their title and to which criminal organization, like Russian, Middle eastern, Central or South America Cartels, along with Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Asian, and so many others.

This is a very dangerous situation that is happening in our country, now the different organizations and gangs are coming together, to become even more powerful then an individual group. If they all get on the same page and there is no in fighting of the different entities, they will possibly, no definitely be practically impossible to beat.

Chapter 17

Staring out the window of the air plane in which I am heading to LAX, to finish the mission, and hopefully finding Laurie. The General was going to send me part way on a military plane then the last hour go commercial. I told them that if these people are that good to be able to get so many different criminal groups to work together, they just may have all the resources to track my path here.

I am supposed to be a graduate student getting my Doctorate in California, a last stop on my path to professor. If they check and see that I came from Colorado or some other place close they will know that I am not who I am supposed to be. And I am flying coach, no frills for this poor school teacher, who’s uncle is paying for college and mother for the living expenses, besides what I am to have showing in a savings account in my name. Which isn’t very much, that’s the reason for all the help.

Seat belt light came on and I am about to land in California so that I can continue Laurie’s mission to put together this crime syndicate and find my friend and fellow agent.

I have my bags and went to get the car that I rented, I did a short-term rental because if I am not done soon, I will buy a cheap, but good running car to go around town. An inexpensive automobile will be that I am on a budget and my story becomes stronger. The car though will be bought at a dealer that is well connected with the government hopefully, and that way it will be a good runner and equipped with a GPS Tracking system on it. That way where ever I go the General will be tracking and is to also eliminate to many reports being sent back and forth from headquarters. To many can produce a trail that could be found.

Into my little sub compact car and away to my meager motel not far from the area that Laurie had marked as possible places of interest. Interest of who is there and how the movement in and around those marked spots are.

I arrived at the motel and checked in. Then I went where Laurie had a condo and was last seen being from area cameras and such. I feel that I would at least look at the building and hopefully get a better Idea of why she picked it. I also can possibly run into a tenant there and make an acquaintance of sorts. A friend that I can follow without too much worry of being caught. I can always say I have an interest in him or her and am a shy person, so I do what I can to be around them even though they might not want me to. A good game of cat and mouse will make me look like a stalker more than an agent.

I made it a point to go to the rental unit and inquire if any are vacant, that way at least if the rental clerk knows something about Laurie not being around, I will know. Also, how much it costs, so I can strike the place off my list. I will walk around a bit first after I finish with the agent, before I leave.

I went into the rental office and was greeted with a smile and asking how they can help me. I said, “I know that I just might be in a dream world even looking at this building but driving by I had to be sure.”

The agent then asked, “do you have a budget?”

I then told her how much and she shifted in her chair then said, “I am sorry but that is less than half of what we are asking for the smallest of units. And besides we are all filled at this time, later we may have a small unit, but you would have to get your budget up quite a bit.”

I thanked her and asked, “may I look around here, that may get me thinking a little higher in price. “

The agent nodded with a yes and I left the office. Now I need to try and run into a person that lives here and may have that look of a criminal. Not that a person does, well without the tattoos they may be harder to recognize who they really are. But with them easy to tell. But in this type of a place, the criminal element will be of a cleaner look, very well dressed and extremely well spoken, even if with an accent.

I slowly wandered over by the gym, it had huge windows, so it was very easy to view inside. The windows were the advertisement for the gym, because all the young aggressive hard body type of people both men and women were exercising in front of it. The equipment was purposely put in that spot so to stop the passer byer like myself and either dream or drool. Me it was to see what type were in there today. Criminals, millennials, or just some all not so perfect people.

After a few minutes I began to walk away, as I did, I noticed in the reflection from the window, another reason to stop there, and saw a young very well groomed, attractive and seemingly fit man staring at me. I didn’t make any notice that I noticed him and because of that he went back to his phone.

But after I walked passed a boutique’s window and started to stop but shook my head to show any one looking that I thought the prices were much to high. When I did that the young man then made a direct approach towards me and stopped about three feet away.

He said nothing, so I turned and gave him a smile then said, “way to pricey for me here. I am a school teacher trying to get my Doctorate, so I could be a professor at some college, then I will be able to shop here. But sadly, I will only be here about a year and then off to another school to teach or be that professor that I and my family have worked so hard for me to be. Sorry to bore you with my dreams.” And again, a smile.

He responded in a very thick but understandable accent, sounded as if he was from somewhere like the Ukraine or Russia. “a beautiful woman as yourself deserves to be dressed in such beautiful clothes.”

I smiled and gave a girlish giggle then said, “are you trying to pick me up or something with that statement?”

He smiled and nodded with a yes and said, “I was that obvious, was I? Are you upset that I said that to you or do you not mind the kind but true words?”

I thought a second and knew that I just met my first criminal here in this building, and if I play it slow but constant gleaming of my eyes on him, I may just meet a whole lot more.

I responded with, “sir I have to say that with your extremely good looks and that heart throbbing accent, your words have made my day if not my year, thank you.”

He smiled again this time reach out his hand and said, “my name is Mikhail Petrov.”

I took his hand and before I gave him my name I said, “so Mikhail which is god like and Petrov meaning stone, you are name of a strong and solid god like person.”

He shook his head and said, “you know of the Russian language and heritage?”

I have been going to school for a long time and have picked up areas of minor expertise of different countries around the world. And I am ashamed to say that my name has none of the flare that yours does, which is, Terri Walker, school teacher.”

“Well, Miss or Mrs. Terri Walker, you have a beautiful and strong name also.” He said with a slight smile.

I shook my head and said, “again Mikhail very smooth but extremely obvious again too. And it is Miss, never married no time with going after my future the way that I have been.”

I knew that I was about to stay to long, so I made the excuse that I need to get things ready for tomorrow, because I am registering for my classes at ULA College. And I am not to sure how to get there from my motel.”

He responded with, “what motel are you staying at? Because then I may be able to give you good directions to get there. Also, maybe even take you there for your first day, so you won’t be nervous and take a wrong road, and not even get there.”

I answered him with, “the motel is only temporary, the reason I was looking here for a more permanent place to live while I am in school, but with the price of renting a condo here for a month, I could live in an apartment back home for four months. But still the same the motel is Sierra Motel close to the airport, since I had no idea where to stay, I choose being close to the airport then I will go around and find a cheap but nice place.”

He rubbed his face and said, “no, no, not there, it simply will not do to have such a young and beautiful woman stay in a not so good place. I am being kind when I say not so good, other wise I just may scare you away from this whole state, and before we had a chance to get to know each other better.”

I responded with, “what you can do for me if you don’t mind is put together a list of places that I could live that is safer, and remember cheap, but not to cheap. My Uncle is paying for the college and my mother the place that I will live, but within reason. I have some savings but that is for eating and a little bit of fun while I am here.”

Mikhail then smiled and said, “so I guess you have already accepted my offer to drive you to school tomorrow? I will pick you up in the morning and take you to school on your first day that way you will know how to get there and hopefully I will have a list of places also.”

I tilted my head a bit then said, “OK, Mr. Petrov, I will accept your ride tomorrow, but first a look at your drivers license before we make it final. And you don’t have to search all night for a place for me.”

He said, “first I will not search, I will have someone that works for me do it. Second it is Mikhail not Mr. Petrov. You will be safe with me, I assure you.”

“I thank you ahead of time Mikhail, and I will give you my number, so you can call when you get to my motel. Then I will also have your number after you call me. I have to be at school by 11:00 a.m. if that is ok with you?”

“No problem and I could just give you my number now if you wish, give me your phone and I shall put it in for you.” He said with a grin.

I knew why he wanted to do that because that way he would have a quick look at my contacts and see who I may know that is of importance to him, like police, FBI, etc. Checking me out but not my body only who I am. I am sure that he will have his employee do a indebt search of me before he even leaves his home tomorrow.

I gave him the phone and slightly turned towards a store front then quickly back. I didn’t want him to think that I wanted him to look through my phone by looking away for a minute, so I made it be normal actions, but not to obvious.

He gave me my phone back and said, “I will pick you up at 10:00 a.m. even though it does not take that long to get there, I think we could drive past a few of the places that my employee finds for you, OK.”

I nodded with a yes and we parted both looking back as we walked away from each other. I thought that I either just hooked him or he hooked me, like he may have done to Laurie. She is a beautiful fit woman and I know that he noticed her when she would go around this complex.

Chapter 18

I woke up at six to take a little run around the area, that way I would have a good idea of where I am at. Besides that, I could see if any of his employees are sitting in a car or van watching me and anyone who may visit. I know if I am correct, he will also have some type of cell wave interceptor and monitor any call that I may get or make. Basic he has a I don’t trust you yet syndrome, just like me. I already sent off an email to my mother, to let her know that I just met a remarkable man and that he is Russian, and his name is Mikhail Petrov plus is what I could tell a respectable business man of some type and very handsome and kind. My mother of course was General Kelly, and he has switched any calls or emails, text that I make to my mother go straight to him.

As I was making my way around the corner where I was staying, I noticed a car with two men in it. They tried to not look to conspicuous but trust me even a novice at what I do could pick them out. Now, am I supposed to see them or are they that bad at what they do. I am going with supposed to see them.

When I got to the corner, I decided to let them see more. I stretched and as I did my 9mm was exposed that was in a holster on my back. Now my turn to be sure that they see it and become curious of why I had a gun. Especially in a no gun zone as I am in.

If Mikhail was just checking up on me or was, he truly interested in me I will find out later when he picks me up. Or he could just be very protective of his newly acquired woman in his life, or what he may feel will be his new conquest.

Silly men, some feel that just because they are successful and good looking that all women want them. Well some, like me want a real honest man, not a syndicate criminal.

I finished my run and went back into my motel room. I put my gun back into the safe and took a shower. Dressed and waiting for my ride, I peeked out the window to see if my watchers were still there. They were, along with a few more cars at different spots around the area. Now I think with my gun show my new friends may just be worried about me alone with their boss.

I will have to end their suspicions quickly and make sure they feel comfortable with me and the boss.

A few minutes later pulling up to my motels entrance was a Mercedes-Maybach. The luxury of luxury of a Mercedes. If I am correct that vehicle would cost somewhere around 170 to 180 thousand. The vehicle is to be driven by a driver while the owner sits in back doing business. I thought that he is either a show off or has protection issues.

But what I can gather by the way the vehicle is sitting, distance from the bottom of the car to the ground, it must be very well armored. So, protection and a little bit of ego too.

I didn’t run right out to his car but instead waited to see if either he would come up or send an employee. Or be very tacky and call to tell me to come to his car. Then a call came in on my phone, I shook my head thinking that he wants me to come down, oh well he is not a boyfriend but a mark. But I still would like a little chivalry from him.

I answered the phone and immediately he said, “sorry Terri, I know that I am a bit early to be here, but I was anxious to see you again. So, I thought that I better call to be sure that you are ready before I come to your door to escort you back to my car.”

Wow! I thought, if this guy wasn’t a crook, I could get into him very easily. But I don’t want him for romance but to see if he has any knowledge of Laurie’s where about, and to get inside his circle of crime bosses which was the mission of Laurie.

I responded with, “I am ready, but you don’t have to come to my door to escort me, a kind gesture though, but I will just be down in a second, OK?”

He said, “I would rather come to your door to be sure that you are not accosted by any of the residence that live here and around the motel. I told you that I didn’t like the idea of a beautiful woman as yourself be staying here. So, I have a list of places that are safer and, well closer to mine.”

I answered with, “Ok, come on up, but to see me back down to your car and not a quickie in my room before we go.”

He laughed and said, “Terri, I have to much respect for you. I also have a great deal of respect for all women. My mother did raise me right in that area, now in business, that is all my father. I will be up in a minute.”

I thought that it was nice that he said that he had respect for women, but when it comes to business, women are a nonessential part in business, whether it be a woman or a man there is no difference. They both would be dealt with the same. Lifted in praise or killed and disposed of.

I heard a knock at my door and went to it and opened the door. When I did there was Mikhail with a smile on his face and asked me if he could come in. I paused a second then smiled back and motioned him in. I then said, “remember, no funny stuff, OK?”

He then said, “no funny stuff, but just want to see if you are a neat freak or a sloppy person. Not that it matters but one must always be prepared for the worst.”

Sorry but I am a neat freak, as you can see, I haven’t even taken all my items out of the suitcases. I am prepared to leave as soon as I find a place that is safer than here.”

He then responded with, “I will show you some on the way to the college and more after your registration is done. I agree with the area, it is not the greatest for anyone, a man, or a woman.”

I then saw him look around and gave a look at the safe in the wall. I chuckled and said, “that safe is for all my expensive jewelry that I brought with me.”

He gave me a look and then I said, “I have nothing of value in the safe except my 9mm pistol.”

As I said that about a gun, I studied his face for any expression of shock or that of I already know about your gun.

He said, “a gun, I would never have imagined you having one. Or needing one.”

I responded with, “well, I am a single female who as you see has not much resources to have a good place to stay, and when I am walking or running around what ever area that I am in, I need protection. Just like today, as I was talking an early morning run, I saw two men in a car across the street from here and that Mikhail is why I have a gun. Even though I know that this is a no gun zone. I will worry about the law after my assailant is down.”

He shook his head and then said, “first Terri I do want to apologize of something that I have done. I hope that you understand of my reasons of doing it after I tell you. But, those two men in the car across the street work for me. I had them stay there because I worried about you staying here and did not want to have found you and lost you in the same day. So again, I am sorry. Do you understand, and forgive me for me being overly protective?”

I saw his face filled with apprehension of what my response will be, so I didn’t make him wait to long. “Mikhail what you are saying is that you hired two body guards for me so that I would be safe here last night. And I have only one statement to make about what you have done.”

I paused then continued with, “Oh Boy! Will my mother be happy that a man hired me body guards? She was so worried about me being here alone and now she will feel some comfort. And I will not have to break the law today and carry my gun, it will stay locked up in the safe and hopefully the need for it will be after I leave California next year.”

He smiled and said, “or it can stay locked away for a very long time if you don’t leave this state.”

I looked confused at what he said even though I darn well know what he meant. “Mikhail what do you mean by me not leaving this state?”

He responded and said, “Terri, what I mean is that you may get a professors position after your year in school, or, maybe something or someone will have you want to stay longer, if not forever.”

I smiled and said, “you my dear man are something else. Sweep a woman off her feet much?”

We both laughed at that and then headed down to his car. When approaching his car, the driver got out and opened a door, and at the same time the two cars across the street were now in the parking lot with us. One car was in front of his and the other behind it. I now knew that my gut was right, and I am with one of the new Crime Syndicate Bosses, if not possibly thee boss, of the new form of a cartel. A cartel that has included every know criminal element in the world, and all together here in the U.S.A.

Chapter 19

Now at the college, I was finishing up with what I came here to do, and Mikhail was sitting in the waiting area patiently. I was amazed at how he has taken to me. Either he is crazy about me or as they say, keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

As I am sure that he is cautious about me, I am the same about him. Getting to close can lead to leaving your guard down and that, well will make you dead. Which I do hope is not what happened to Laurie. She could have encountered this man and as I have found out can be a very charismatic person. If she became to close to him, then that could be why she disappeared. But hopefully if it was by his doing, he follows what his mother has taught him, not his father.

When I came out of the registration office, I chuckled and said, “Mikhail, you could have gone, and I would have either called you to come back and get me or took a cab or some other form of transportation back to my motel.”

He smiled and said, “I told you that I would drive you here and, on the way, look at some possible places that you can move to, and after you were done, finish the tour and have lunch.”

I walked up to him as he stood up and gave him a hug and thanked him. I said, “not many men would sit in a lobby waiting for a girl that he just met. And to do what you have done already for me. Get places for me to look at, which on my own would have taken weeks to do. And to actual have people watch me so that you would know that I was safe. Ok, lets finish the tour and have lunch. But can I pay for lunch so that I won’t feel like a leach and am taking advantage of you.”

“Terri, you make me feel good, and I don’t care if you are wanting to take advantage of me, because you are, well, uh, a very special woman and I want to get to know you better and have you around me for a long time.” He said as he hugged me back and didn’t seem to want to let go of me either.

Mikhail drove past many nice places, but I kept saying the same thing with each one we looked at. “Way too much for me, sorry but if you could have who ever did this nice work searching out a place for me to live to lower the price range a little. I don’t mind struggling a little to be comfortable, but I like to eat too.”

With a sheepish grin he said, “if you possibly stay in my condo all your worries of cost would be gone. I do have a three bedroom, so you would have your own room. It is close to the college and I have maid service and security. So, you would be comfortable living with me. Uh, I mean in my condo.”

I gave him a look of amazement and responded with, “well aren’t we moving a bit fast today. You know if we were friends for a longer time that possibility would be nice. But just as you probably are with your employees, a 90-day period working to see if they will work out. Not that you will be fired after that time limit, but maybe sooner or longer and we may become closer. Remember it is up to the both of us, just because you feel that we are at a better place, it may be that I am not, or visa versa. So, what I am saying is, let us take it slow and see what develops in this new relationship that we have started.”

He nodded in agreement and then we stopped at a restaurant to have lunch. The whole time that we were eating, he seemed to be very quiet. I asked him if something is wrong, and he said, “I am troubled now, I feel that by saying that I wanted you to move into my place you may not want to associate with me any longer. And you never once asked me what I do for a living, which makes me feel that you may not be that interested in me.”

I smiled and said, “you have not done anything wrong and moving to fast, well I will just accept the fact that you are a man and most that I knew moved fast. I do care about your work but what I have learned traveling the country and some parts of Europe, some men are very secretive about what they do because they may feel that it is not important or glamorous enough. They also may just be that type of person, private in their lives until they trust a person enough to speak out about the work they do. And then there are some that brag about themselves, work, life, and any other thing that they come up with. I wait and after time if a person wants me to know their business, then they will tell. So, when you are ready, we can talk all night about work, family, anything.”

He then said with a grin, “all night?”

I shook my head and said, “Mikhail, will you get your thoughts straight and help me take you serious? I am going to have to keep a close eye on you.”

Another grin, but before he could talk, I said. “Ok enough relationship talks today. We can continue another day.”

He smiled and nodded, and I did too.

He did say earlier that he would take me on a tour of the area, just to know what is around here.

With that thought, we left the restaurant and had a great day touring LA.

Chapter 20

The next day I got up early again to take a run, but this time with no 9mm. I peeked out the window and saw my body guards sitting in the car in the same spot. I smiled because of those two watching me, but at the same time knew that having them shadow me would make it that much harder to do what I came here to do, and that was to first find out about Laurie, then the new crime group forming in the country.

I decided to do something nice for my new security. I went to the motel office where they have coffee and Danishes. I took two cups of coffee and some cream and sugar, just in case they don’t drink it black. I also brought two cream cheese Danish.

I walked right up to their car and as I did, I watched their reaction of me coming directly to them and not going for a run. Then they saw the coffee and a bag. The one rolled down his window and said, “good morning, miss Walker.”

I gave them a big smile and responded with, “Terri please. I brought some coffee and Danish because I thought that you may be hungry and in need of something to wake you up.”

They both chuckled and the one said, “thank you, Terri. We both do appreciate the kind gesture.”

I gave a nod and said, “well off to my early morning run. I hope you two have a pleasant day.”

They both nodded and the one again said, “Terri, I notice that you do not have your little friend strapped to your back today.”

I said, “why do I need it when I have my new security.” Then a smiled and I ran off.

As I was making the second turn that has me getting back to the motel, a young blonde woman was standing by the corner. I waved as I came up to her and said, “good morning!”

She responded with, “good morning to you also Miss Walker.”

I stopped immediately and reached behind me, then remembered I didn’t bring my gun. What a dumb mistake. I said, “how do you know me?”

She then with a smile said, “Miss Walker, one of the men called me to go with you on your run today because they noticed you were not with your 9mm today. Mr. Petrov ordered me to be waiting around here just in case you were in trouble and when he heard that you were without your protection, well here I am. So, shall we continue our run?”

I looked at her and could only smile and nod with a yes.

As we ran, I asked her, “does he do this with all his girl friends?”

She shook her head no and then said, “he was involved with a young American woman not to long ago. She and him were an item until one day she just disappeared. He looked for weeks but could not find her and he even pays the rent on her condo in hopes of her returning. So, that is why when he became close to you, he didn’t want the same to happen to you.”

I looked with a bewildered face and asked her, “what do you mean the same thing? And by the way who was this woman?”

She answered with, “her name was Laurie.”

I almost stumbled when she said her name, but I did the best to stay calm.

Then she continued with, “Mr. Petrov is a very well known, and is sometimes disliked by other business people, he felt that one of his associates or competitors may have taken her, because to get even with him or use her as a negotiating tool. But he has no proof, I think that he blames everyone for her leaving. We, his employees, feel that she may have taken off to give him a chance to settle down a bit. He was almost attached to the hip with her and gave her no space at all to do anything alone without him.”

I took a breath and continued to run, but while I was, I thought that the first thought from Mikhail may be the correct one. Which means that he may not be directly involved with her disappearance.

We came to the end of the run being back at the motel and she gave a wave to the men in the car and she turned to me and asked, “do you plan on running tomorrow morning? If you are let me know by calling this number and I will be here.”

She smiled and started to walk away when I stopped her and said, “yes, I am going to run in the morning and it was nice to have someone to run with, so yes please come I enjoyed your companionship. But one thing, I never got your name?”

She stopped and said, “my name is Lana, and yes it was nice to accompany you today, I will be here in the morning. And have a great day and please do not say anything to Mr. Petrov of what I said about the other woman.”

I nodded with a yes and turned to go to my room. While in my room I decided that I may just let Mikhail get a little closer because that way I will be able to meet more of his friends and enemies.

I need to have him tell me of Laurie and what he feels happened to her, that way I will have an ally to help me find her, without him knowing that he is doing just that.

I showered, dressed and went to the college to buy my books and get my schedule.

Chapter 21

Driving to the college was little nerve racking, with the traffic and how so many drivers seem to not pay any attention to who is around them. But I made it, parked in visitors, until I can obtain a student parking permit.

I decided to take a good look around the campus, so I would have a good idea of where things are at. But mainly to observe if anyone was following me around. I know that maybe one of Mikhail’s people may be, but I saw some of them and the way they dress, so that would give me some idea if any of them are following. But if they are not as well dressed as his people, then I may have another admirer.

I continued my tour and noticed one person who happened to be just about everywhere that I have been. I did notice also that he was dressed as a sloppy student. That may be because he is and has a thing for me, or that he is trying to blend in as a student, so I would not notice him easily. I took a photo of him as I made a turn around a building. I know that he was to cross a street and would not be looking directly at me so that is when I took the picture.

I will send it back to headquarters and keep it in case I notice him with Mikhail, then I can ask him who he is.

I got my schedule and books and made my way back to my car. As I walked back to my car, I did notice the man following again but I didn’t let it bother me right now, maybe later it will if he keeps up and I cannot find out who he is. But when that time comes this man will find out who I am and not meaning an agent but a very formidable woman who can take care of herself.

Sitting in the car looking over my schedule, my phone rang, and it was Mikhail’s assistant. I said, “hello.”

Then she said, “Miss Walker this is Ivanna, Mr. Petrov’s assistant. I am calling to let you know that I have found the perfect place for you to live, while you are going to school. It has a special rate that they give to those seeking their master’s or higher. With that it is below what you told Mr. Petrov that your price range was. I will text you the address and a map for directions.”

I responded with, “wow, thank you. I cannot believe the luck of you finding this place. And I cannot help but feel that maybe a certain someone is really subsidizing this place, so I will be closer to him?”

She gave a chuckle and said, “no, he doesn’t even know that I found this place yet. I have already taken the liberty to make you an appointment for about an hour from now. That will give you plenty of time to get there. And Miss Walker it does sound like something that Mr. Petrov would do, but I ensure you he didn’t. So, I hope you like it because it is close to your school and a bit farther than Mr. Petrov would like from his place.”

We both chuckled at that, I thanked her again and told her that I can’t wait to meet her to thank her for all her hard work in person.

She said back, “I cannot wait to meet the woman that has Mr. Petrov all giggly, like a young boy on his first date. You must be something. Bye.”

Then we both hung up and I smiled to myself and thought that I need not try to get him closer, he already is. I need to now slow him down a touch.

I drove to the location that she gave me and was shocked to see the building. I parked and then entered the magnificent building. I went into the lobby and saw that it was not too much different than the one that Mikhail lives in. Same builder or does he really have something to do with this great deal that I am supposed to get.

I saw a sign that said condominium rental agent’s office and walked to it following the arrows of course. This place is a lot bigger then Mikhail’s and has so much more that I can see. Movie theater, gym, three restaurants, and so much more. I thought then, student discount, huh! I better be sure about that before I sign the lease.

I went into the office and told the girl at the front desk that I had an appointment to see about living here. My name is Terri Walker, and I am just starting to finish, hopefully, my doctorate.

The girl looked her computer screen and the pressed the intercom and said to who ever was on the other end. “miss Walker is here to look at the property.”

Then I heard, “let her in.”

I walked into the office and saw a tall thin woman, about in her fifties I would guess, but not sure because she seems to be in very good shape. The wrinkles on her face are how I am judging her but in the sun all the time will make a face turn into a wrinkled leather looking one.

She greeted me as I entered her office and motioned for me to have a seat in front of her desk. I did and with a smile I said, “I cannot believe that an amazing place like this is actually in my budget. I am suspicious of how exactly I get this student discount. I just met a man and he is already trying for me to get into his building which is three times the price that you are telling me for this one.”

She smiled and said, “it is true, a tech firm has subsidized any qualified student with the opportunity to be in a place as this. You see, they feel that if a person is working hard at advancing themselves through education, then any help would hopefully make sure that the person here will continue with their studies and possibly come to work for one of their companies that give money to the complex.”

Then she told me, “you are very lucky. You see there was another woman that was to be here, but she has, as we have heard, gone missing. We have tried to get in touch with her but nothing.”

As she was telling me of the other person that was in line for the unit, she glanced up at the same time she said, gone missing. That made me cringe a bit and turn in my seat. I then asked her, “so who was she?”

She just said, “just another person who may have left town or stayed and is holding up at a different place.”

Hold up I thought, gone missing, seems odd that I have an opportunity for such a deal with this place, and all because of a woman that has gone missing.

She then said, “I have taken the liberty to have an exterminator go through the unit already to be sure that there are no bugs in it.”

Again, as she mentioned about bugs, she looked up. I have a feeling that I just may know who is helping me and who this rental agent may really be.

She then said, “how about we go to the unit that will be yours, so you can have a look at it. It is also completely furnished. I do hope you like the motif of the furniture. The company takes pride in the look of their buildings.”

When we arrived at the door to the unit that I am to live in, she said, “this unit has a secure land line and with the tech companies that have an interest in the building, they have made sure that the internet is hack proof, and if you make a call from your phone it will be hard for another to over hear a conversation that you may have. I do suggest using our computer and phone for the utmost security to your privacy.”

She opened the door and I thought my heart would stop from how magnificent the unit was, the décor was beautiful, and I couldn’t have picked out the furniture without help.

When inside she then said, “the general…manager, will be pleased that you have accepted to live in this unit.” Then gave a wink.

I now know who owns the building. The agent than gave me a list of amenities that the building has and the area around it.

She then said with a smile, “later today the unit will be completely sound proof, just in case that you have your music up loud. I will let you take your time and look over the unit completely and when you are done stop by my office to do the paper work. Here is your key card and it cannot be copied or tampered with in any way.”

She left, and I just looked around in amazement at how this place looked. I went to the window and pulled the blinds aside, then looked at the unbelievable view from this unit. I then thought that I do have a great benefactor. To give me the opportunity to stay here.

I finished looking around and went down to the office to sign what ever papers that I need to. Then back to the motel and bring my stuff here and then start looking for a car for myself.

Chapter 22

While driving back to my motel from the new place that I just got, I noticed that my body guards were not far behind me. I have a feeling that Mikhail has had his people search ownership and if it was true about a student discount for such a nice place. I hope that he does just that and when he finds that the whole thing is legit, then he will start to trust me more and maybe even let me in on his side of the story of the disappearance of Agent Laurie Smith.

Knowing what we know at the agency, put together with what Mikhail knows or may just think he knows, and I may come up with a reason for Laurie’s rapid disappearance, along with where she may be held or buried. Hopefully not the latter.

As I drove back, I stopped at a used car lot not far from the college, called of all things, Campus Autos. I smiled and went in the lot and started to look around at the different cars and trucks there. Hopefully this is the one that I am supposed to be at. I was greeted by a young energetic salesperson. I told him that I just came into the area and need a reliable, cheap car. He smiled and motioned for me to follow him.

I was shown a few different types, sizes and colors of vehicles but stopped when I saw a small blue 4-door car. I thought that it was cute to start with and should be inexpensive too.

I asked the salesperson the price and he just started to walk to the office. I stopped him and said, “excuse me sir, but I just want a price right now, I will decide on a vehicle soon, but not possibly today.

Then he said, “don’t worry miss, I will make sure the price is right and that the vehicle is double checked for your safety and security. I can also get you insurance with G. Kelly Insurance.” then he winked.

So, this is the place that is under the eyes of General Kelly. Well that is great and with the car I am sure it will have a tracking device on it, just in case I or the car goes missing, or both at the same time. I feel safe already here in California, with the unit every where shadowing me, and Mikhail’s security team out to make sure nothing happens to this new girlfriend like the last one, named Laurie.

I told the salesperson, “I will be back later after I drop off my rental.”

He nodded and then asked me, ‘so how are you going to get back here after you do that?”

I gave a smirk and just looked in the direction of Mikhail’s men and said, “I have it worked out, those guys will drive me back, call it my secondary security force. And you know that they will check this place out thoroughly.”

He nodded and said, “not to worry, we have a perfect background, they can do all the checking that they want to because my dad has had this place for twenty years. Ever since he left the unit.”

I then left the lot and made my way back to my motel. I went out to my two watchers first before going into the room. I smiled at them and said, “hey guys, will you do me a favor?”

They both nodded with a yes and then I told them what I needed from them today. I said, “I just got a place at a great condo complex near the school, Mikhail’s assistant found it for me. And on my way back here I stopped at a car lot and am buying a nice car. So, could you guys help me get my rental back and have my stuff put into your car and take me to the car lot to get my new used car then help me get my stuff up to my unit?”

Again, they nodded yes, and one said, “so Miss Walker how long before you are ready to leave to rental, car and condo?”

I shrugged my shoulders and said that it all happened so quick I must pack first, so maybe an hour. I will stand out front of my door when I am ready.”

Then the one that does the talking all the time said, “not to worry here is our number, you call when you are ready, and we will get all your stuff and put it into our car and then take you to your different destinations.”

I said, “thank guys, and I will buy you a drink or coffee when we finish.”

Again, the one said, “Mr. Petrov will insist that we help you.” Then he smiled.

Bags packed and a final look through the room, then I called my ride. I heard a knock at the door and my two new friends came in and took all my luggage and started to go towards where they were parked. I said to them as we were walking together. “I need to check out of the room, and then we can go to the rental car agency to turn in my rental, then to get my car and finally to my new home.”

The one that always does the talking said, “no need for any of that Miss Walker, it has already been taken care of, room rental and car, so we can go right to your new home.”

I looked confused, until we turned a corner of the building and there standing next to his Mercedes was none other than Mikhail Petrov.

He was waiting for me and as I approached him, he said, “Terri I do hope that you are not upset with me for making sure all has been taken care of, and that you only need to go to your new place?”

I stopped for a second because my first feeling was to give him what for, but with a deep breath and remembering that it is not about me but my mission. And he is part of it, and I must keep him close so that I can pick his brain about his knowledge of Laurie.

So, with a smile I said, “so, you paid for my room, and are having the rental car company coming here to get the car, which I am sure that is already paid for, and my new used car, will it be at the Condo when I get there, and again paid for? You are incorrigible you know that, but that is why I love being with you. Uh! Like, oh my, as friends.”

He smiled and said, “as long as you are at this moment a part of my life, call it what you will, and let’s get you to your new home.”

I got into his car and we went to the condo. I thanked him on the way and then said, “I do want to do something nice for my two new friends, actually four, your assistant and my running partner. Would it be alright to pay for dinner or at least drinks somewhere?”

He shook his head and said, “they are my employees and were only doing their job, no need for you to spend any money or even thank them, they were happy to be of service for you.”

I then shook my head and said, this time with a bit more forceful voice, “I am going to do something nice for them, with or without your permission, got it?”

His eyes opened wider and a smile came to his face, not a mad one. Then he said, “you see Terri, that is why I am so interested in you, an independent, beautiful strong woman, and you make me feel so good when I am with you. Sometimes I feel that you would be protecting me instead of me you.” Then he leaned over and gave me a hug and a quick kiss on the forehead.

Chapter 23

I unlocked the door to my unit and let my two helpers go in first. I told them, “just leave the luggage on the floor next to the bedroom door. I will sort through them later to see what goes where in this place.”

As they put my things down, I said, “I need more stuff!”

Then quickly turned to Mikhail and said, “stuff that I will buy, OK?”

He nodded with a yes and we both went to the window to look at the view that I have. Then we sat down on the couch. I said, “to bad that we don’t have a bottle of wine to celebrate.”

Just then in comes my running partner Lana with a bottle of wine and two glasses.

I asked her, “why only two glasses, aren’t you three going to stay and help in my celebration?”

The three smiled and Lana said, “thank you Miss Walker, but I feel that you have all the company that you need right now.”

Then the three left my residence, and I was now for the first time completely alone with Mikhail. Well alone if you don’t count all the surveillance cameras and microphones that I have had installed for not only my protection but also for listening and taping any conversation that would go on in the room. Unless I turned it off for a while.

I turned to Mikhail and said, “first, my sweet dear man. No funny stuff! At least until we get to know each other better.” I said with a smile.

He lifted his glass of wine that he poured and said, “a toast to not only a remarkable place that you have found, but for a remarkable woman that lives in it.”

I said, “a great place that was found by your assistant, and I am delighted that she was as good as she was in doing so. I am very happy, and I owe the majority of that to you.”

My turn to lean over to him and give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

After one glass of wine I told him, “it has been a long day and I am going to bed. Alone!” I said with a chuckle and a smile.

He nodded, and I walked him to the door and he then gave me what was a very long passionate kiss goodbye. I gave him a slight push away and said, “you will never give up, will you?”

He shook his head with a no and then left.

Chapter 24

As I was laying in bed thinking of all that went on of today and what will be the next steps that I am needed to take in my investigation, the iPad on the night stand turned on, and all by itself too.

Reaching over to get the iPad off the night stand, I heard a familiar voice.

“Hey sis, what are you up to, no good I hear. So, what made you take an assignment that is dangerous, as we know from Agent Laurie disappearing and now you want the same.”

“Charlie! Hey brother, yes, I am on assignment to find out what happened to my friend and fellow agent Laurie. I know what I am doing, so try not to worry.” I responded back to him.

All that conversation even before I picked up the pad. Now with it in front of me I could see my brother Charlie. He was sitting in his office today. I said to him after seeing where he was at, “so, you are back to the office, how was your vacation at moms with Jenny?”

There was a moment or so with dead silence from both of us, I know that by just looking at Charlies face he is about to blow up or tell me to come back and give up the mission.

Then Charlie took a deep breath and said, “Terri, you are my sister and I worry about you more than I should. But that is me. Vacation was cut short after someone told me that you were on this assignment. Mom doesn’t know anything about where or what you are up to, because I told her that I had to go and check on another agent that was overseas. So, you are in the clear, for now.”

“Thanks, but I am doing ok, I am getting some good intel on her life here before she disappeared.” I told him.

“Good, I have the file and have read most of it and when you are ready, we can add what you have found out to it.” Charlie said, with a military type cadence to his voice.

“Before we get into the mission, I am going to tell you that I am staying at the unit’s condominium complex, that is completely safe and free from any type of outside surveillance. I also have a car that came from a car lot that is connected and the car has a tracking device on it just in case. I am registered for classes and will go to them too. I will make my life here very real to anyone who tries to see if I am who I say that I am.” I told him.

Charlie gave a grunt and then he said, “so, sis please tell me of what you have found out about Laurie and who she was in contact with that may not be in the file. And I want to know if you have made friends there with anyone that may be involved with the mission you are now on.”

I cleared my throat first, which is a dead giveaway that I am about to tell him something that I am afraid to.

I just started my report as it may be, and said, “after arriving here in LA, I took my rental car and drove to some of the places that Laurie had remarked about in her reports. I drove by them first then went to where she lived. She did live in a nice building but after I found out about the place that I lived in, I wondered why she didn’t go to where I am. Well, she met a man and they were good friends and he paid for the unit that she lived in. I met him also and never said a word of Laurie only gave my information as I was required to.”

Charlie interrupted me and asked me, “so what you are saying is that Laurie went off script and became involved with this man?”

I answered him and said, “yes, she became an item with Mikhail, I mean this man in question.”

Quickly Charlie interrupted me and said, “Mikhail? Terri you know this man that was possibly the last person to see her?”

“Yes sir, I have become friends with him, but I keep my distance in the relationship department. He was her boyfriend, you can say and the two were an item. That is according to some of his employees.”

Again, Charlie asked me, “Terri, tell me of her involvement and if you think that he had something to do with her disappearance, and, your involvement that you are not telling me about. Remember that I have assets all around you and will eventually know everything and everyone you see.”

“The main thing that I want you and the General to know is that I am being very careful of where I go, and with whom. I know that he has some knowledge of Laurie’s disappearing.”

I paused then said, “OK let me continue. After I went around the area and was in the building that Laurie decided to stay, I saw a man and he was very interested in me as I walked around, he would follow, with his eyes. I knew that this building was very important to Laurie in her investigation, so I decided to become friends with anyone that may live in her building, that way hopefully I would get better information about her and the mission than sitting and waiting for something to come together from her notes.”

Charlie then asked me, “how close are you two that you know things about him? And how do you know that he wasn’t the one responsible for Laurie becoming missing?”

I responded with, “one day I was out for a jog and didn’t take my gun. That was on purpose because I wanted Mikhail’s men, who by the way have become my body guards.”

“What!” Charlie said, and then continued with, “body guards? Terri what are you getting yourself into?”

I answered with, again Charlie, “I know what I am doing. I am staying close yet far from this man, but he has people watching me, or rather protecting me. You see again when I was going for a jog, the two men that noticed my gun the day before then noticed that I wasn’t carrying it that day. So, as I was running a young pretty girl came up to me and started to run with me. She was another employee of Mikhail. She was ordered to be with me because of me not carrying my gun. You see this guy wants me to be protected.”

“Why does he want you to be protected if I may ask my agent.” Charlie said.

With a slight hesitation in my voice I said, “because he likes me and wants to be my boyfriend now.”

Charlie responded with, “so, now Laurie’s out of the picture so he is chasing a new conquest, am I right?”

“No Charlie,” I said. Then continued with, “when I was talking to the girl that ran with me, she mentioned about another woman that he liked but that she left without any notice. The girl said that his employees feel that she couldn’t take his smothering of his affection and his constant wanting to be around. She said that Laurie at times would tell her that he is just to close to her and that she has no space.”

“So, the woman that ran with you said that this guy was over bearing and that Laurie ran away from that, am I right?” Charlie said.

I answered his question with, “yes that is what they say, but then she said that Mikhail feels that she did not run away but may have been taken by one of his new partners or even a competitor. He feels that she will be used in some type of negotiation or swap later.”

Charlie with some excitement in his voice said, “so, you also feel that he may be right about a person or group that he is in with may have taken her. Because Laurie was, sorry, is a fine agent and would not just run and not tell us what was going on. I think that you are right in staying close to this guy. He may just be the connection that we need to have in order to locate Laurie and finish this mission with success.”

I then said, “I believe that he wants me to be protected, because Laurie refused it from him, and he doesn’t want the same to happen to me.”

Charlie then said, “just be careful and do your best to not be too obvious when asking about Laurie. Make him tell you what he knows. I hope that things work out, I know that you and Laurie were friends and that you want her back safely more than any of us. I will keep in contact after I have my complete report of Mikhail Petrov along with his employees, and I will let you in on all that I find out. That will help in getting what you need from each of any person of interest in this assignment.”

“Ok Charlie, I will give you all that I know in my report tomorrow. And when you have information on Mikhail’s business dealings and employees, send that to me. I will talk to you later, Bye.” Then I signed off the iPad and put it back on the night stand.

I turned out the light and went to sleep.

Chapter 25

When I woke up, I got ready immediately. I was to be at school this morning for my first day. I wasn’t nervous at all because I have been going to so many different schools for some time now. And after I attend the school, my transcript gets changed, only showing me going for what is needed for my next school. Then on to the next.

Onto the elevator I go, and a beautiful view you have when you are inside it. The three walls are of glass, and when going up or down you see the whole complex and all the different things that it has.

As I was going down, I noticed two men standing not far from the elevator doors. At first, I thought, my two security guards, but as I came down and got a better look, it wasn’t them and I now thought, where are mine.

At the bottom, the doors opened, and I stepped out. I didn’t make any eye contact with those two men, I just started to walk.

When I turned to head towards the inside parking garage, they did the same. Today I am glad that I brought my little friend, miss 9mm.

I walked slowly so that it didn’t seem that I knew that they were behind me. I glanced at the different windows as I walked and tried to keep notice of where they were. I was about 100 or so feet from the door to the garage and then I saw the two putting their hands inside of their jackets. I could barely make out what type of gun that one of them had, but I wasn’t going to wait and find out.

I started to bring my hand to my gun when the door to the garage opened and my two body guards emerged from it. When they did the two behind me quickly turned away and walked in a different direction.

The one that spoke English said, “sorry that we were not at the elevator door, but we needed to see if anyone was going to follow you, and someone did. Don’t worry Miss Walker, they are probably just a couple of punks that wanted to steal your purse or even your shoes.”

I looked at him and said, “shoes?”

He chuckled and said, “you have very expensive shoes on and many would love to have them for their friend. By the way, a struggling school teacher with those on your feet?”

I responded with, “I got it, my purse would probably be filled with cash with wearing $500.00 shoes. But they were a gift by an old boyfriend, one that had money but no class. So, I ended it with him and have been very picking of who I am with since then. Please don’t tell Mikhail that I wore these shoes, I didn’t even notice which ones I put on this morning.”

After a breath I continued with, “He may get jealous and try and buy me two or three pairs.  Just to out show whoever bought these for me. Men!”  Then I gave my head a shake.

We both laughed at that and I went on my way to my car. In the garage I made sure that my spot was in a very well-lit spot and near the door to the complex.

I got into my car, started it and pulled out of my space. As I did, I waved at my two friends and drove off. As I was driving, I knew that I had to get word to the office so that they could pull the video of those two. I know that they were not just there to steal my shoes, but I feel that they just may be the ones or associates of those who took Laurie.

Chapter 26

Being at school today was uneventful. But when I was leaving the lot, my guys were a few cars behind me. But my new friends were right behind me.

I knew that today and soon, these two will try and do something. I kept my cool and when I was nearly at a light I slowed down. As soon as the light turned red, I went through it. And the two behind me did the same. The two that were from Mikhail, also went around a few cars and went through the light. I just hope that no police were looking at that time.

Now I know that it is time to find out just who my new friends are, and hopefully find out who they work for.

I quickly pulled into an almost empty parking lot and stopped in the middle if it, facing the car that was following me. The car stopped, and the two men got out and immediately pulled out their guns. As they were walking towards me, I got out of my car but stayed behind the door, that way I am partially protected, and the door gave me a good object to rest my arm on so that I would have a steadier hand and a better aim.

I didn’t notice Mikhail’s two men. They were probably stopped by the police. OK, here we go I thought to myself. I didn’t wait for them to shoot first. I knew that they would because one of them began to raise his arm up and the other stared to walk sideways in a slightly different direction. Cross fire, I thought. So, no time like the present.

My only advantage that I have is that they don’t know that I have a gun. They hopefully would think that Mikhail’s guys were my guns.

Before the one raising his arm got it up to shoot, I raised mine and hit two direct shots to his chest. The other one then tried to shoot back at me, but I already pulled the trigger and two went right into him. One in his chest and the other his forehead.

I waited a moment before I made my way around the door. I wanted to not see any movement from the two men that apparently were dead.

I slowly walked in the direction of them. I knew that it was a matter of time before someone called the police and they arrived here. I needed to get any identification that they had on them and then take a better picture of them then leave quickly.

I took their wallets and their photo and as I was turning to go back to my car, Mikhail’s men came in the lot and at a very fast speed. When they got to where the two were laying dead. The one looked up and just said, “nice shooting Miss Walker. Are you ok? Sorry we were stopped by a stalled car was at the last intersection.”

I nodded with a yes then said, “just shook up, do you two mind much following me to my place, so I can get a drink. I definitely need one right about now.”

We drove to my building and as I pulled into my space, I saw a group of men coming my way. I thought that I think today may just be my last. Then in the middle of them out came Mikhail. He was in the middle of them and came running now towards my car.

As he came closer, he asked me, “are you ok Terri? My men called and told me what happened. You are a very brave woman and I am thankful that one of your past friends taught you how to shoot. I owe him.”

He gave me a hug that I thought would squeeze all the air out of my body. Then I said, “sorry to get you worried but I am confused why would anyone want to shoot me. I didn’t even know them. Do you?”

That was my opening to get him to talk about Laurie and what part he plays in her disappearance.

Then Mikhail said, “Terri lets go to your place and we can talk.”

I nodded with a yes but then said, “who are these men, are they all your security?”

He shook his head no then said, “they are now yours. They will be guarding you night and day. Terri you mean too much to me, and I want nothing to happen to you.”

I looked at him and said, “like being taken!”

His face became pale and said, “you know of my previous friend Laurie?”

I said, “yes, but not much. Your employee Lana told me some of what you and the rest feel may have happened to her, when she came running with me. Were you ever going to tell me about her or just hope that nothing happens to me and you wouldn’t have to.”

He gave me a look and said, “we will talk after we are in your place.”

I nodded with a yes and we made our way up to it.

After we arrived at my door, I thought that just maybe these guys are qualified enough to do an electronic sweep of the rooms. I knew that I had to use the switch as I enter the room. On the door frame is a small button or switch. That will turn off and then turn back on all my electronics surveillance things that are scatter around the place. Bedroom, living room, kitchen, and yes even the bathroom. Each room has a switch, in case of, well, some privacy.

I opened the door and let all the men and Mikhail in, and as I entered the door way, I flipped the switch. Now all electronics are off and when they leave, I will turn them back on. I know that Mikhail will probably want to stay so we can have that talk that he said we would have after we got up to my unit.

I was right because Mikhail then said to me, “Terri I hope that you don’t mind but these men are going to do electronics sweep of your unit. That way you and I will be sure that there is no one listening in on your privacy. Because also after the terrible situation that you were in today, don’t you want to be sure that no one is listening or watching you?”

I chuckled to my self because I know people are watching and listening to my every movement. Here and when I am out.

His men did their job and as they were leaving, I went to the door to let them out. I made it look as if I was looking in both directions when they left and then I flipped the switch back on. Now I am secure again.

Time to get this guy talking and soon. I want to know everything that he knows or feels he knows of Laurie’s disappearance. And to have the whole conversation on video and recorded. I know that he may say some mushy stuff to me, but that is all part of the job.

Chapter 27

For what seemed like a lifetime, we both stayed silent. He looked at me with puppy dog eyes, and mine well, like daggers.

So, I went first. “Mikhail, who was this woman and how close were you two? Lana told me that the rest of your people felt that you were smothering her and that is why she left. But you said to one that you felt that she was taken. Taken by either an associate or competitor. So, you thought they would soon use her as a bargaining chip in some type of deal. Am I correct so far?”

He cleared his throat and responded to me and said, “Terri first I want you to know that I have much stronger feelings for you than any other woman that I may have been with in the past. I really don’t know if she left because of me or because of another that wants to hurt me by hurting her. I have made a mistake by not guarding her as I am you now. If you feel that my people are taking up too much of your space, please let me and them know. I only want what is best for you. Do you understand what I am trying to say, and what I am trying to do for you so far?”

I nodded with a yes, then started to say something but he interrupted me by saying, “Terri what I am trying to say is that it has only been a short time since we met. Nothing has happened between us, only a quick kiss. But I am so much head over heals for you. Yes, you can call it love or an infatuation. I really don’t know yet, but I do want to know for sure someday soon.”

Sitting there hearing him talk was uncomfortable because I know that my brother and the general were getting an ear full now. So, I shifted in my seat and said, “Mikhail, I feel a special attraction to you also. I have no idea how special just yet that it really is, but we can take our special relationship slow and see where it goes. OK?”

With a huge smile he nodded with a yes, I feel at this moment he was a bit choked up after me saying special relationship, and not that I don’t want any part of him.

And I do have a special attraction to him, if he wasn’t a crime boss, then maybe, just maybe this relationship would be real instead of one of necessity. One to bring down a newly forming syndicate and finding Laurie.

Then I decided to as they say hit him right between the eyes with my next question. I gave him a stern look and asked Mikhail, “did you have anything to do with that girl going missing? And who are you and what do you do?”

Mikhail sat straight up for a minute and with no smile from him either, only that sheepish look on his face he responded with, “I am Mikhail Petrov, and my father is Alexander Petrov, he still lives in Russia and is what you might say a very powerful and controlling man.  He rules an empire there and is feared by many, even many in the government.”

I gave him no indication that I was satisfied with what he has told me so far, I motioned for him to continue. And he did with, “in Russia he rules his people with an iron fist and here in your country I am the controlling figure in the family business. But even though I command respect and trust, I am not like my father in being what some there and here call him a monster.”

Now it was my turn to shift a bit in my seat. I am hearing first hand now of possibly all about the Russian Mafia both in Russia and here in the United States. I must remain calm and let him tell me all that he feels that he can without giving up too much of the family business. And I bet that Charlie is sitting on the edge of his seat right about now. He is now hearing some of the inner workings of the Russian Mafia and possibly who else is in this new Crime Syndicate. I bet that he lets the romance stuff go for now, if he gets what they need.

I didn’t want to push Mikhail to much about his business, but I just needed a little more so that I and headquarters can put a better connection of leaders and others, of this new group.

On his own without me prodding for any more Mikhail started again and said, “I and my family own an import and export business, which does business all over the world not only in our two countries. We have been doing this for some time and along the way yes, we have made some enemies. No business dealing is clean. That is why I feel that what happened to Laurie, may happen to you. So, the reason for more security at this time, especially after your encounter with those two that you shot today. I fear that more will try and again Terri I am fond of you and that is why I think that they want to take you as they did Laurie, leverage. I assume that they have not gotten anything good, so that is why they came after you.”

I then asked him, “do you think that they may kill her or have already?”

He shook his head with a no and said, “if they wanted to take her and kill her, I would have known already. You see to do that would be a warning or an example of sorts letting me know that they can get anyone that is close to me. But the problem was that Laurie didn’t want any security, she said that she could take care of herself. Now with you I would agree with you can defend yourself, but I feel that she was not as good as you.”

“So, Mikhail, if you feel that she is still alive, why are you not trying to find that poor girl. Who knows what she might be going through with whomever took her. And do you have any ideas of who? You feel you know a reason but where could she be?” I said with a sad face and breathing hard with each sentence that I said.

I have put the word out with the entire Russian community and nothing. I have asked the new associates that are forming a new company with me and others, and they say that they do not know anything of any woman being taken. Now I know that is a lie already because I have asked and many that I know have asked each group that I am getting with to form this new business the same question, if you know tell me, if you have her, what do you want, and as of this day, nothing.”

Then I asked a question that I hoped would be answered but knew that it probably wouldn’t. And when I was asking it, I could see Mikhail’s face turn cold, not a mad cold but a face that knew the answer to my question but was not going to tell me what I wanted, I mean needed to hear. I asked, “Mikhail, who are these people that you are doing a new business deal with, and how do you not know that it wasn’t one of them?”

He stumbled with his words at first but then came right out and said, “Terri, that is a question that I cannot and will not answer. What goes on with my family and any business is ours to do with what we choose to. So, you question will not get an answer as you may want but let me tell you that with any knowledge would come even more trouble I feel, so again my love, the answer is that it is none of your business and I do mean that with affection and not being a monster as my father is. He would have just walked from the room with nothing from him and I am not him.”

I knew that I should just end this whole conversation for now before he becomes his father. I leaned over and gave him a quick but passionate kiss and told him that we should have this night end on a good note and we can see each other tomorrow.

He gave a nod and had a smile that seemed to go from one side to the other side of his face, I now know that a little here and there and I will get all the information that I want.

I let him out the door and as I did, I noticed that at either end of the hall was a man sitting in the chair that was there. I looked at Mikhail and all that he did was shrug his shoulders and said, “I will protect you, I will not take no for an answer as I did with Laurie.”

Then he walked down the hall and I went back into my unit and headed straight for the iPad to check in.

Chapter 28

As I waited for the meeting to start, I went over all that Mikhail had told me of his family and this new syndicate that was about to begin here in my country. Because we were waiting for the general to get on line with us, my brother Charlie could only say as we waited, “good job Agent Terri Walker, the general was correct in picking you for this assignment, but please be careful, I know that you feel that you have him under control but remember that he is his father in some ways.”

Just then the general came online with Charlie and me, and said, “great job Agent Walker, you are getting more information from that guy then Agent Laurie did. But in her defense, she did have to start at the beginning and you have just picked up the ball and heading for the endzone. But remember that you can fumble the ball and end up with Agent Laurie or worse.”

Without hesitation I said, “yes general, I do understand, and I am taking all the precautions that I can. The hardest thing is to seem as a civilian with skills that I learned at the shooting range.”

He injected with, “Agent, just be yourself and if you come across to some as a bad ass girl, then just tell them you had a hard life and had to become more than a beauty contest winner.”

Charlie laughed at that statement and responded with, “Agent Walker is good looking enough for a contestant but in no way have I seen or heard any wanting to be one. I think she is right where she wants to be and belongs.”

I then said, “you never know I just might become a contestant with my next assignment.” Then gave a chuckle and then the general spoke.

Then the general expressed to me, “Agent Walker, I mean Terri. Let’s not be so formal Ok?”

Charlie and I agreed, then the general continued with, “Terri, you are a skilled agent but remember what Mikhail said about his father being a monster, he was not exaggerating one bit. His father is very powerful in Russia and in most of the world too. He is evil and would shoot a person in the street and not worry about any repercussions from the law, because he owns the streets and almost all law and governmental agencies. Money may not buy happiness, but it sure does by power. And as they say the apple does not fall far from the tree is true also about Mikhail. He has not done harm to anyone that we know of by his own hand, but he does have his people do many horrific things to those that oppose him or are not loyal. With that you should know that it may just be possible that he had something to do with Agent Laurie’s disappearance, because he would not need any body as a sign if he was the one that had her taken and possible killed. He may just have found out somehow that she was with the government. So, be careful.”

We talked for an hour or so longer and as the other two told their stories and theories of what is happening here, the more that I knew that the key to this whole thing is Mikhail and his family.

No one with that much clout in the world would not be able to find her, or at least know about the whole situation. I am going to be careful, but I am also going to move a little faster in the direction of some of his associates. I know that anyone who will try and take advantage of me well knowing that in theory I belong to Mikhail is not a friend but a possible enemy, one that may just have done harm to Laurie or at least as Mikhail feels, be keeping her for future negotiations.

We all decided to continue tomorrow after more information comes forward from me, Charlie or any other asset that we have involved. We all signed off and I went to bed knowing that tomorrow will be interesting.

Chapter 29

In the morning as I woke up, I heard a knock at the door. When I went to peek through the eye hole in the door, I saw that it was Lana, my running partner and security that Mikhail has for me.

I opened the door for her and with a smile she came in with a large box with a bow on it. I gave her a look and she said, “a present from Mikhail. He hopes that you like it and it fits.”

I looked confused for a second because of Lana’s smirk when she said that he hopes that it fits. We sat down on the couch and I started to open the box when Lana said, “this was not my idea at all, so please if you are mad with the gift be mad at Mikhail.”

I now opened the box and I took out a form fitting bullet proof vest. By form fitting I mean a place to have my chest fit comfortably not having the vest make my chest look flat. I looked at Lana and all I could do was laugh, then with that she broke out in laughter too.

Together we could not stop for some time. I held it up to me and said, “so how did he know my breast size?”

Lana said, “I made a guess at that for him, since he admitted that you two are fine together but not intimate yet. I hope I guessed right, if not you can always have Mikhail buy you a smaller or larger size vest, or maybe even breast.”

Again, we laughed, and I said, “Lana, I so much enjoy you being around, not that the others aren’t qualified, but they lack the personal touch in security as you do. We went jogging together, talk, and now you buy me bullet proof lingerie.”

I gave her a hug and thanked her for it and told her that I will have it on when I get dressed. I then said, “go get some coffee or tea, and I should be ready in a few.”

With a nod she went into the kitchen and I went to get ready.

I was dressed and went into the kitchen where Lana already had coffee in a cup for me some fruit cut up and a scrambled egg on a plate. And with a smile said, “oh my Lana, what have you done? You are security not my chef.”

She smiled back and said, “Miss Walker, I mean Terri, you are more than a person that I am hired to make sure of your safety, I feel that we have become friends also, no?”

I could only go to her and give her a hug and say, “yes, yes, we are friends too.”

After we ate the two of us were to embark on another day, hopefully one without any questionable people following or shooting at us. When we got to the door, she went out first.

She looked both ways and then motioned for me to come out of my room.

I noticed what she wanted to see, and that was the two men on either end of the hallway sitting in a chair, just waiting for us to leave.

As we were walking down the hall towards the elevator, I asked Lana, “do you or Mikhail know something that may happen soon and that is why so much extra protection?”

She without a smile said, “yes, he has knowledge that someone in his organization is a traitor and has confessed to knowing that they want Mikhail to back down as the head of the new company that is being formed as we speak. I have no idea that any harm is directed at you but with the other friend of Mikhail missing he is not taking any chances with your safety.”

I responded with, “but another thought that I came up with as I was falling to sleep was, what if Mikhail himself did away with that woman. What if he knows that he doesn’t need proof of her death because he caused it, either by his own hand or by another that was directed too. After all he did say that his father was a monster and just maybe he is also.”

Lana just shook her head with a no and said, “yes, it is true of his father and yes he has had some employees do some things to others in the course of business, but he would never hurt the woman Laurie or you. He is a ruthless business man yes, but a kind soul with ones that he cares for, as yourself.”

I smiled and said, “I am so glad that you are my protection and not some stuffy old man that does not speak English well and smells of vodka.”

We both laughed at that statement and continued down to the parking garage.

I was about to open the door to the garage when Lana stepped in front of me and opened it. I shook my head and said, “I am going to have to get used to this, it is all new to me. I usually do things for myself and have for a long time. That is why the gun and not minding my new under garments to protect me.”

We both smiled and continued to my car. I have the spot right outside of the door to the garage, no walking in a dim lit space for me. And then I saw a motorcycle parked next to my car and Lana walked to it.

I said, “alright girl, riding in style today.”

She answered with, “I feel that if any problem arises on the drive, I could maneuver in and around the traffic if I need to pursue someone that may bring harm to either one of us.”

I nodded and didn’t smile but said, “so Lana, something is up, am I right?”

She nodded with a yes then said, “but don’t worry, you have many protecting you today. Many you will not see, but they are there. Also, if a certain person or persons try to do something, Mikhail will then know for sure who is against him and could have something to do with the disappearance of his friend Laurie.”

I looked at her and without a smile either said, “so Lana I am, Bait!”

With concern on her face now she responded to that with, “yes! Terri in a way you are bait, but not without more protection then a World Leader would have. We don’t feel that you are a target, but we are careful now.”

She paused then continued with, “I know that you are thinking what I did I get myself into but feel good to know that when this is all over and you can be with Mikhail without any worries of harm coming to either one, it will be worth it.”

“I hope so,” I said, then got into my car and together we drove out of the garage. Me in front and Lana on her motorcycle following close behind me.

We made it all the way to the college without any problems, so I thought that just maybe they are paranoid about what happened to me the other day and are just overly protective right now. After all I think with their security and the security that I have from the assets that are around me from my unit, I am sure that nothing could possibly happen that would harm me.

We parked and enter the school, I to my class and Lana with a book not far from the door to my class room. She found a bench to sit on that would not be unexpected by another person just sitting and reading a book.

Chapter 30

When the class was over, I left the room and still sitting on that bench reading the same book was my new friend and body guard, Lana.

When I was walking up to her, she got up immediately and came towards me. She did not have a smile on her face, but she had a very stern look instead.

I asked her, “what is wrong?”

Without any other words she said, “we must go, Mikhail has been ambushed in his car. He is ok, but he sent a text for me to get you as far away from the city as possible. Most of your security detail took off to help him, so we have Oleg, Ivan and me. So, let’s get going.”

As we were walking, or should I say running to the parking lot to the car, I said, “Lana what if the attack on Mikhail was a ploy so that my security would all be with him and leaving me with a few. Not that you three couldn’t take on an army of attackers, you know what I mean don’t you?”

Lana could only nod as we ran, she tried to use her phone but there was no reception, I tried mine and the same. I looked around quickly and then I saw it, an old white van with a very expensive antenna on the roof. That tech on a rusted old van. Must be the cell phone signal blocker. I pointed it out to Lana, and she picked up on that immediately, no words needed by two pros as ourselves.

She then said to me, “get into your car because Ivan and Oleg will lead you and I will be following you. We need to leave the area not just the school.”

I gave Lana a look as we were about a hundred feet or so from my car and motioned to a man that was sitting oddly on a bench near my car with a baseball cap on. I then said, “Lana, that is Ivan and he looks dead.” She quickly ran to Oleg and when she got to his car she turned and said, “him too. Terri run, there is a rally or protest going on in that field. Run into it and try to blend in with them and make your way to the guard station near the entrance.”

I nodded with an ok and just about to run when I heard a snap, then I watched as Lana’s head jerked back and blood was all over her face. She was shot by a sniper I thought. I turned in the direction that I assumed that it came from and I was right, up on the roof of a building was the sniper. I now knew that it wasn’t Mikhail or my security that they wanted alive, but me.

I took off in the direction of the crowd of students ranting something. I had no idea what they were saying, my only thought was to get out fast. I ran into the crowd and as I did, I quickly turned to see if anyone was following. I am glad that I did because behind me was about 12 men and they didn’t look to be students.

As I ran through the crowd, I was just about to take off my jacket to change my look just a little when I remembered that my 9mm was attached to by a belt on my back. I know that I only have a credit card, drivers license and a few dollars in a paper clip in the jacket along with two extra magazines for my pistol.

I saw a yellow jacket that was just thrown into the air by a girl and I quickly jumped to get it and started to look for an area that I could change coats. I saw at a pavilion there was a group of people and they were looking at the crowds, so I went by them changed my coat and the paper clip, but I didn’t have time for the extra magazines for the gun. I then grabbed a baseball cap from the table and took off running in the direction of the guard house.

I knew that the guard would have a land line in his hut so that way I can call Charlie for help. Since I was under the protection of the Russian Mob, so to speak, my unit was to be a safe distance away so that they would not pick up on them. The only problem is that now with the jammer, I cannot call until I get to the guard hut. And since there was no warning of this happening now, Charlie had no idea that I was in trouble. Or maybe by now he does since Mikhail was attacked and that would raise a red flag that there may be more trouble in another place, and that place would be where I am.

I could only hope that they are somewhere close now and if not then it is all up to me to get away safely. I was about 50 to 75 feet away from the guard hut when I saw two men walk up to the window and shoot the guard in the head. I bent down behind a bench and waited for the two men to leave. After they did, I ran to the hut, not to try and help the guard but to use the land line phone.

I reached into the hut to get the phone, because it was right on the wall by the window. As I took it off the receiver, I then noticed that as they reached into shoot him one must of cut the cord to the phone. So now no cell services and no land line that I know of, that is close by.

I ran back to the bench and crouched down behind it. Next to the bench was a trash container. So, I put my cell phone on emergency and when the cell service in this area goes back on, my phone will send out a signal and my last known GPS coordinates. So, I then dropped it into the trash can and took off into the wooded area next to where I am at.

I would normally run down the drive and out to the street but with a dozen or more people looking to capture me, why capture, because they could have killed me first instead of Lana. I knew the woods had a walking path that runs through it and leads, well I am not sure, but far better then the alternative, and that is being taken.

When I was walking through the woods instead of running, that is because if I was the only one running, well, guess who they will be after first. I kept looking back every so often, and as I did, I tried to make it look as if I was looking back at a boy that was behind me. Hopefully he doesn’t take my looks as an interest in him, because that would be his last time, he would want to say high to a girl that seemed to be interested in him on this path. He just may get in the way of a bullet that is meant for me.

I then saw a road just up ahead of me and I slowed down. I knew that who ever is looking for me will have just about every road or path covered, so when I was just about to the road, I went into the woods deeper,

Then I made my way through the brush to the street. I know that no one would be expecting me to emerge from a group of bushes, after all I am a school teacher not a government agent.

I peeked out at first to be sure that if there was anyone nearby, that I then could sneak back into the woods and try for my exit in another spot.

I looked in both directions, I looked left and saw two men walking back towards the school, then right and saw another two going away from me. I thought that my only choice was to run across the street and behind the house there. I could either wait out my time until help arrives or find some where I can go from there.

I know that I am wearing running shoes, yoga pants, light jacket, baseball cap, and a tank top, not really a look for guerilla warfare. But at least I do blend in around this area with the college and thankfully some rally of sorts.

Those on the left made the bend of the road towards the college, and the other two were far enough away that they shouldn’t hear me run across the street. So, I took off and made it just in time, because another group that were in cars came by. I do hope that they didn’t see me cross the street, because my mind was on running not looking for any others to come by.

I was now kneeling behind a bush in front of the house that I ran to. I know that I should go around back and hide until I see if any friendlies come by, but I wanted to be up front just in case one saw me run here that way I will be ready to fight if they come for me.

What seemed to be an hour or so went by. I now know that either they have not turned off the cell signal jammer or my guys aren’t coming for me because they are probably more interested in capturing Mikhail and having him secure somewhere, so that they can interrogate him.

Now that people are after him it seems, the general would trade his agent for information on this new Crime Syndicate. And I would too.

Chapter 31

It was just starting to turn dusk. Now I thought that if I wait just a bit longer, with the darkness it will be easier to hide along any road to get to another area that would be safer.

Just as I was about to stand up and head away from my hiding spot, I saw lights from a vehicle coming down the road from the college. I noticed that it was the jammer van. I thought that just maybe I am saved. If the jammer is off and the signal goes to the unit that I am in trouble, I could have some friends arriving soon. Or as I thought before, let them chase me instead of Mikhail. I will soon find out which it is.

I then saw three more vehicles leave the college, all may be them or just some students that stayed late and are just now leaving. After those went by, I started to walk on the side walk slowly so not to seem to be in any hurry.

I walked about 100 feet and then I saw something that I hoped that I didn’t tonight.

Four men coming out of the woods not far from me, I kept calm but that didn’t matter to them because I feel that they were going to see who was walking on the street at night.

I kept walking but had that feeling of them following me. So, when they were just a few feet behind me, I knew this was it and time to fight. I turned around and there in front of me was not four but six men.

I shook my head and with the ego of a lioness I said, “so gentlemen, only six to try and take me in?”

Two smiled at what I said but the others didn’t seem to think that it was to funny. So, I went for the two smilers first. I didn’t pull my gun just yet because I wanted that as a surprise for them when I feel that I have no choice.

I went for one of the smilers by doing a side kick to his solar plexus, that way the air will be out of him and at least for a moment be down. Then Instead of the other smiler I directed myself towards one of the men that was about to pull out his gun.

When he started to reach back and get it , one other, a big one from the Middle East I think put his hand in front of the man and said, “no, I will handle this infidel woman, she will be beaten as any dog would, and when she is unable to fight any longer then I will have my way with her as it should be.”

Now my blood was boiling at his words, and I raised my right leg just a bit, so he would feel that I was about to kick him in his groin. Well sorry, but as I raised my leg and he put his arms down to protect his junk, I stomped my foot down and gave a punch to his throat with all that I had at that moment. No longer will he disrespect any other woman, in the way he did me.

Now the one that was about to take out his gun did, and one other was just starting to reach for his. The first to pull his weapon had a smile on his face as if he has me. Well sorry buddy, but I have one too. I pulled mine out first and took my shot. He was dead before he even hit the ground, one directly to his forehead. The other staggered a second, and that was long enough for me to do the same to him.

I now found myself right next to another man and what I did was do a leg sweep and as he was falling, I hit him on his head with my gun to make sure that he would stay down long enough to get away.

Now that left one. He was only about 15 or 16 years old. He had the look of fear in his eyes and I asked him, “who wants me this bad?”

He stammered and said, “the drug Cartel from Mexico, Central and South America. The main head of them all. And the head Mullah or leader of the Islamic Cells that are staged all over the world to make it a caliphate. I am only a small boy who needs the money that they give me to send back to my family back home.”

At that moment I did the number one biggest mistake of any agent and let my guard down. As I looked at this small boy, I could see a smile come to his face and the next thing that I remembered is that I felt the hard object that was used to knock me out. I guess that I should have made sure that all were down for good instead of just awhile, so I could get away. Wrong, now I am also will be taken, just as my friend Laurie.

Chapter 32

I was very groggy when I opened my eyes. As I looked around the room, I noticed that I had no clue of anything in this place that I have woke up in. I tried to gather my thoughts to see if I knew anything about where I was at. I didn’t, and I only knew that I was in a place that I am not supposed to be in, or is it the place that I am to be in.

The room was dimly lit, and I heard no sounds, like that of people talking or cars driving by, only silence. I could only hear my own heavy breathing.

Then a door opened and entered two men. One was a Latino and the other Middle Eastern. Now I have a feeling why they took me and Laurie, but I will wait to hear from these two first.

The Latino started with, “my name is Carlos and I am from Columbia. Yes, we do have beautiful women in my country, but you are a very beautiful American.”

Then the Middle Eastern said, “we have dogs that are better looking.”

I gave a chuckle at what he said and that made him mad. He then said, “I will have my way with you any time that I want to, just as I did with the other American.”

I said, “there is another one here like me?”

Then Carlos said, “yes, she has been very nice to us here, but your fresh face will be an absolute delight. She has done much that we needed her for, but you will do much more than she could. Mikhail sure does know how to pick them.”

“Is she still here and alive?” I said.

Carlos then nodded with a yes and the other said, “for now. Now that we have the woman that means even more to Mikhail than the other, we will send her off somewhere to please another.”

Then I got mad and spoke maybe to soon and to forward then said, “Carlos I know that a Latino man has more respect for a woman than any Middle Eastern could ever. Latino men may abuse a woman, but they still fancy them over…what a terrorist would. You sir, are more interested in your sheep and little boys than a real woman, as me.”

With that the terrorist started to move forward towards me but was stopped by Carlos.

Then I said, “I see now why you took me, it is because you want what Mikhail has. He has the best and you are jealous of his manly image, because he can have such woman as the other and me, and neither of you can.”

Then Carlos said, “we didn’t take you because you two are his, but because with you we will have what we really want, and that is to lead the new combined syndicate.”

I looked confused and said, “so, what you want from us is that when ready you will negotiate us for the leadership?”

“Yes” Carlos said.

The other just smiled and said, “but if he doesn’t trade you two for his leadership, then I will and many of my friends will have our way with you both, and as your Christian marriage vows say, until death do, we part.” He then laughed and walked away and out of the room.

Carlos shook his head and said, “we know Mikhail and he will bend if not break for you, the other we knew starting that she may not work for what we needed her for, hence you.”

I said, “what syndicate are you talking about and how is Mikhail a leader of it?”

Carlos said, “so, you have no knowledge of any of his businesses. I guess that he does have feelings for you that are strong for him not to at least brag of his power. After I finish telling you of all the business dealings that he has done and will soon do, along with what this new crime syndicate is about and who are a participant in it, what part that he plays along with his father, then you will be more likely to give up any of Mikhail’s true weaknesses, OK?”

I gave him a look that said, “I have no idea of what you are talking about and want”. So, he said, “we want to take over the new business dealings. We are better suited, that is all our Mexico, Central and South American Cartels along with the Islamic State Terrorist. They are but the so-called muscle in this ordeal because they kill without any conscious at all. Even though the Cartels do also, this time we want to become a kinder leadership, sort of, at least appearance wise.”

I responded with, “so what you are saying is that Mikhail is the head of this thing and that you want to be?”

“No, it is not me but another that wants it and he will be the new leader. He has done a lot to implement this business and make it to become, soon, the largest and most powerful entity in the world.” He said to me.

“Who is this one person that will or wants to lead the crime world?” I said.

Carlos smiled and said, “soon enough, but for now we will have some dinner, that way you will be willing to listen to what I have to say.”

But what others are involved?” I said.

He just smiled and said, “many.”

Then I continued with, “China, Germany, Ireland, etc.”

He said with a big grin on his face, “yes, yes, and yes to all. Every country and every crime syndicate or cell or group will be under one command, and all stationed here in your country. After all, if America is taken then the entire world will be also. One world order and all criminals. You see we are not as different as your politicians, which many have been under our control for a long time.”

As they fight to protect the southern border from illegals, we are with the help of your weak and gullible politicians, bring in people and drugs to quiet your people. When the terrorists were caught at the border we switched and started to dominate Canada and change them into the new Islamic front. Now we send all the Middle Eastern terrorists through the north and no one is the wiser.”

I was now feeling that I had enough information and that I can use to stop this once I escape, and with Laurie too.

I need to find out who intends on being the leader once they get Mikhail out of the way. They never said kill him but only to remove.

I then asked Carlos, “can I see this other woman that you took and make sure that she is ok?”

He looked at me and responded with, “yes, soon. First you eat something, after all we want you to look healthy when we show Mikhail that we have you. So soon.”

Chapter 33

After about an hour the door opened again and a young Spanish looking girl came into the room, carrying a tray with my dinner on it.

I sat still so not to frighten her, because she looked terrified as she entered. I smiled and was hoping that I could ask her a few questions with that smile but when she came within a few feet of me she put the tray own and was starting to turn away.

I then quickly spoke and said, “hi! My name is Terri, and what is your name?”

The girl did not say a word back to me, but she just continued to walk towards the door. I tried again, but nothing. So, I tried another approach and said, “my, you do have such pretty hair.”

Then a response, “thank you.” She said back to me.

Now I will try again with the name and asked her, “please you have been so kind by bringing me dinner that I wish to at least know the name of the pretty girl that did that for me.”

She answered me this time and said, “Rosa.”

I then tried to begin some type of conversation with her and said, “yes, a beautiful name for such a beautiful girl. May I ask you something?”

Rosa still standing in the same spot lowered her head and said, “I am not allowed to talk to you. If I continue, I will be beaten for disobeying those on the other side of the door. They hear everything that is said in here.”

She then left the room, but she did tell me that the room is bugged and anything that I might say to Laurie when I go to her or she comes in here will be heard. So, I must be sure to warn her immediately before we talk.

I decided to have the food that was brought to me. If it is poisoned, so be it. If not, I am still hungry from my ordeal of today, so I may as well eat something.

When I finished, the door opened, and Rosa came back in to retrieve the tray. I thought that not only listening but watching me too.

When Rosa was reaching down to get the tray, I noticed that she had a bruise on her face. She was right that they will beat her for talking to me. When, not if, I get out of this room, I will teach Carlos to not hurt a child. I know that it was him because there is no way that he would allow some other nationality to do it. Especially a terrorist, a person that is only a soldier in this new company and not any type of leader.

Well, I assume that the food wasn’t poisoned, and had no type of sleeping agent in it.

I feel full and satisfied now. I must keep my strength up for when the time comes that I escape from this room and teach those men how to treat a lady and a child.

About what seemed like an hour went by, I heard a noise coming from a room next to me. I could not make out anything that made sense, but a second later, a door opened on the other side of the room that I was in and in through that door came Laurie.

I immediately put my finger to my lips for a second. I didn’t want to make it to obvious, so I then put my whole hand to my face in a shocked motion. I just hope that Laurie picked up on what I tried to do and doesn’t spill that we know each other.

Laurie looked terrible, she has been beaten for some time it seems, because I noticed new and old bruises on her face and arms.

When we were within feet of each other she said, “do I know you? Are you here like me, a prisoner?”

Good I thought to myself, even with her abuse she still has it. Nothing said about us knowing each other so I can now talk as if I don’t know her and ask her some questions, or as least questions that they will allow me too.

I nodded with a yes and said, “a prisoner yes, do I know you, no. I only have heard of you I think from mutual friends. My name is Terri.”

She responded with, “my name is Laurie, and what friends do we know together?”

I said, “Mikhail, and some of his security team, which I am sad to say have been killed by these people who have taken us. I assume others also.”

She lowered her head and said, “Mikhail and I were good friends, but he never came for me.”

I responded with, “yes, he did try and so did many others that were contacted. But your location was never given up. So, I guess I am here to rescue you.” I ended with a chuckle, but it was now true, I will get her and me out and we will finish this assignment together.

I went to her and gave her a hug and as I did, I whispered in her ear, “Laurie, Charlie and the General have been looking for you, I was sent to both locate you and help finish the mission. We together will escape, so keep up your strength, ok?”

She gave me a kiss on the cheek and said, “even though you are here as a captive like me, I am happy that you are here.”

We parted because we didn’t want them to get suspicious of us possibly talking about escaping, which we were, so we now acted as strangers again. Our captors now came into the room and the terrorist, as I call him said, “so I was hoping that you two would say something that would allow me to beat you. But sadly, you did not, and I just have to wait.”

Carlos said, “ok ladies, soon we will contact Mikhail and let him know that not only do we have one of his female friends, but two.” Then he and the other left the room and as they did both laughed.

Now I gave Laurie a look and said, “I bet that this place is full of bugs. If you see some let me know.”

She nodded and responded with, “I know that this place has bugs, but they won’t bother you unless you bother them.”

Now we are on the same page completely and can start the plan to get out.

We both sat apart from each other and did not talk for a bit. Her and I wanted our captors to feel that since we don’t know each other that we won’t trust each other either.

So, we sat, and both thought of how to leave this place.

Chapter 34

Several hours later we talked. I started the conversation with, “how long have you been here?”

Laurie responded with, “I am not sure, I think about two to three weeks.”

What I said before about Mikhail, he was looking for you. I just happened to come along and distracted him, but he had many looking for you. Mikhail and I became friends by accident after I arrived here in LA. I am going to college for my doctorate and happened to run into him at a condo complex that I was looking at to possibly live while I am here. It just happened to be where he lived. But way to expensive for me so I went to a place by the college that his assistant found that gave a low rate to college students. A very well-run unit by the General…Manager.”

I knew she understood what I am saying so we smiled and then she spoke and said, “Terri, how long have you been in LA?”

I answered with, “a few weeks, I came for advancing my education and ended up finding a friend who I thought was a nice man, even though I didn’t know much about his family, and now I am a captive in this place, where ever it is.”

Deep breaths Terri and try to keep a positive attitude while you can. Even after all that I have been through, I knew that some day I will be rescued. Well, that didn’t happen with you but at least I have another person to talk to. I know that we will get out of here, either in a coffin or if Mikhail gives up leadership.” Laurie said.

Lowering my head, I said, “will they let us go even with them taking over, I doubt it. So, what I think we should do is keep calm and hope for the best.”

Then Laurie said, “when I was taken, I hoped to see something that I could recognize as we drove, but they had me in the trunk and I could only feel the road.”

Laurie smiled after she said that about the road, because she may have felt the different roads and possibly railroad tracks, things like that. Then I said, “I was knocked out and woke here. I have no idea how long it took to get here or any sounds or anything. Out cold, but I did take a few with me.”

Laurie nodded and they both became silent for a minute, that was because I wanted to see if they are always listening or just sometimes. That way if we have a better time limit of their observation of us then we can better plan our escape from here.

I felt that they can’t be watching and listening all the time, can they? Possibly taking turns? Or just every so often when we are together.

Chapter 35

While Laurie and I were trying to communicate where we were being held captive, back at headquarters was a bit different. With Mikhail now in custody. I wish that we knew that, but we didn’t.

Charlie, the General, and even Jenny was in on trying to get any information from him. At the time that they had him they had an idea that I was taken. What they hoped was that I escaped from their search of me and am holding up somewhere until the time is right. They have found my phone and where I was last at, along with the dead bodies that were near my car which was still in its same spot.

They were not going to tip their hand with Mikhail about me being possibly taken, just as Laurie was. They wanted to get whatever info that he has of this new Crime Syndicate and how many players are in it. What groups, countries, gangs, etc. So, they will give up on the two of us for now. Once they either get the info or find that he has none to give of things then what has been already found out by Laurie and me, then and only then will the unit do a search for us.

The whole time that Charlie was asking questions of Mikhail, the only words out of his mouth was, is “Terri Ok?”

He repeated that over and over every time that anyone would ask him of the newly formed syndicate. Charlie was starting to get a bit upset because he knows that this whole time, his sister and an agent, Terri could have been taken or is lying dead somewhere in a field.

But Charlie and the General knowing about as much as Mikhail of Terri’s where about, but they kept pumping him for information on the criminal organization that he is a part of. What part they aren’t sure yet, but they will, hopefully soon.

Jenny wasn’t saying anything, she is looking at this man Mikhail and trying to get a better sense of who he is, and what is his real feelings of either Laurie or Terri. Jenny sees something flicker in his eyes only when Terri is mentioned. So, Jenny decided that with this interrogation seemingly going nowhere at this time, she would try a different approach.

Jenny gave a look at both Charlie and General Kelly and gave a nod. They both knew what was coming and they sat back and let Jenny do the talking now.

Jenny being a woman she felt that Mikhail would hopefully accept any and all comments that she would be making now.

Jenny then said, “Mikhail, what was your relationship with this woman Laurie?”

He answered with, “she was a good friend that I was hoping would become more, but when she was taken, and I tried to locate her, I thought for sure that she was taken, but some of my employees thought that I constricted her to much in my surroundings, they felt that she just ran away. I was confused especially since nothing was ever discovered that she was taken or even dead.”

“So, after her you just jumped into another relationship, and what was this one to you?” I said with a slight neck lean.

He then said, “Terri was not just any other woman, no, she was everything that any man would want. She was brave, resilient, straight forward, kind, beautiful and the woman that I hoped would be with me forever. That is why I had so much security around her all the time, and she knew and would laugh at it. Terri didn’t seem to mind that I was hoovering over her as she tried to be a student at college. And what was seemingly to be a new life with me. She had no idea of who I am and who I represent here in your country. She never asked, and I thought that at some point she would and that made be fear that day because she may not accept me than. I knew that if anything would happen to her, I would rather I die before any harm came to her.”

Now Jenny has her knowledge that this man cared deeply for Terri and when I say that she may be taken or even worse, I feel that he may just give us all that we need.

“Mikhail, I want to ask you the same questions of your organization and the new one that is about to be formed, OK?” I asked him in a very soft voice, because the next voice will not be the same.

He said again, “I will not give up my families business and any thing of any new crime syndicate that you keep asking me about.”

At the time I was asking him questions I was leaning back in my chair, then I moved forward and with a frown not a smile on my face as I had just before I said, “Mikhail, you told me that you would rather die before any harm would come to this woman Terri, am I correct?”

He nodded with a yes, and now he had a sad face, because he knows or has an idea of what I am about to say next.

I then started with, “Mikhail, your people that you had doing security on Terri, Ivan, Oleg, and Lana, are all dead. Their bodies were found just outside of the entrance to the college that Terri attended. And her car was still in the parking lot and neither her or her body were nowhere to be found.”

Mikhail’s eyes were now tearing up and he cleared his throat before he asked, “do you know for sure that she was taken. I had many more watching her too. What happened to them?”

Well, when you were attacked, we presume that all but the ones dead at the school came to your rescue. We have been watching you for some time, that is how we know that they left her to go to you.”

“I gave explicit orders that under no conditions that she was to be left unguarded. Everyone knew my orders and they would never not do what I said.” He said.

Then Charlie jumped in and said, “we intercepted a call from a Carlos to your security team at the college, and he said that you were under siege by unknown assailants, and they were by your orders to leave the American and come to help you.”

Mikhail lowered his head and then said with furor in his voice, “that little Latin scum, he must have Terri, and even possibly Laurie. He wants to be the boss, but all the others will only follow me. I have the knowledge of running a very large organization, and that with the connections that my family has, we or rather I am the best to lead. The Middle Eastern are nothing more than muscle, along with the Cartels men. All the other groups that are from countries all over the world all have their own skills and were to be used by them in this New World Order. My people are businessmen and have the way with all to have an entire world of criminals become one, under my direction.”

Now we all thought from what he is saying that soon we will have all we need. So, Jenny gave a nod to the General and he picked up his phone for the unit to assemble so the search would now begin. After Mikhail gives us locations that would be safe houses and places for Carlos’s people to live, that way we at least have a start of places to look for the two agents.

Mikhail was now giving more information then we anticipated from him, even with his obligations to his family, he gave us everything. Now the search is on for Terri, and at the same time the destruction of the New World Order of Crime.

Chapter 36

Now back to mine and Laurie’s dilemma. What is going through my head right now is us trying to escape before either one of us or both are killed because we aren’t needed any longer.

It has been good that they are leaving us together, for now. I hope that we can stay put and then that will give us the opportunity to devise a plan of escape.

Laurie has been roughed up since she has been here, but I and she agrees with a little food she will get back to her old self, which we need now.

She wasn’t eating because she felt that there was no way of escaping on her own and not that she gave up, but she was on her way to. That is, until I showed up. So, escape plan here we go.

They didn’t bring any breakfast for us today, I thought that they are giving up on us. Well, I was wrong at noon the little girl came into the room carrying a tray with two plates on it. The plates were paper, first thought that went through my mind was ceramic or glass, would be better.

She put the tray down in front of us and said, “sorry that I didn’t bring you any breakfast, there was some type of commotion and they didn’t tell me to give you any, then Carlos said, go feed them, we still may need them. And so, I brought this to you. Again, sorry but I can only do what they tell me to do.”

I smiled and said, “don’t worry Rosa, we understand and hope that you will be well today. Is there any way that we can look out a window or go outside for fresh air?”

Rosa quickly shook her head no and said, “they would never allow that, no one is to know where you are, or who you are. So, you stay here until they say differently.”

We both nodded with an understanding nod.

As Rosa was going back out the door, I noticed that what looked like an office, or something similar. It looked as if we are in a warehouse type building that has an office part attached to it.

So, what I am thinking is that a business that has what is a warehouse or just maybe a storage area that was used for supplies or other items needed for what business is here or was.

So, we are not in a building that is off the beaten path, but more than likely one that is right in the middle of the city. They are hiding us in plain sight!

So, all this time I and Laurie felt that we were outside of the city in some abandoned building, when we are probably right next door to Mikhail’s condo.

Now I must readjust my thinking of how to get out, and not worry about what to do when out. I thought that we would have a long walk to civilization, but now I feel not.

I went closer to Laurie as we ate and asked her, “did at any time you think or feel that you were really closer to the city than you originally thought?”

She gave me a look and said, “why yes, sometimes I would hear a plane or loud engine noise when the door would open, but I thought that it was just them driving in and out of the warehouse that I was being kept in. And about a window or going out for air, that gave me the idea that they don’t want anyone seeing me but that I would see others around and try to yell out. I know that this room is pretty much sound proof by not hearing the same noise that I heard when the door was open.”

We looked at each other then and I gave her a wink as I took the paper plate that was usually thrown into a trash can near the door. I folded it up in the shape of a knife. Laurie then immediately took hers and did the same.

I then said softly, “we need to keep these and build them stronger together because when we do decide that the time is right to go, we need any type of weapon we can get, and these plates are a start, since they take the plastic forks and knives away after we eat.”

Laurie said, “Terri, I did think of that, but I was so abused at times that I could hardly walk or even talk. I decided that I would have to wait for help or possibly just die. But now you are here and even though we are in the same position, as captives, together we will get out of here.”

So now together we will devise a plan, a good plan too. We are very highly trained field agents and should on our own be able to, but with even better odds of success now that we are together. We now will hatch a plan and implement it too.

Chapter 37

While Laurie and I were making the plan that will get us out of our prison, back at headquarters things were moving fast. Mikhail gave up all that he knows of the new organization but was hesitant to tell all his families business. “Loyalty” he said, “was the only form of honor to my family.”

Mikhail gave all that he knew of any of the other places that they may hide people, especially Carlos’s safe houses, warehouse, for storing his products, drugs that is, and any other office building or even farm.

Jenny was now going over all the video that she could find on the day of what she feels was when I was taken and the approximate area and beyond. I know she will not give up her search.

The General made calls to the different covert units in the area and while he was doing that Charlie had drones in the air following the path that he felt could have been used by me, and an approximate connection to any of the places that Mikhail gave us information on.

Jenny was viewing the video that was to be around the college. Every school has many cameras that are fixed on people coming and going in the buildings and driving in and out. But there was no video, all was erased from that day. Jenny then thought that they were dealing with a highly sophisticated group and that she may never find a video to give her a starting place where I was, so she could then follow that to hopefully where Laurie and I are at now.

The General has brought together ten six-man units and was in the process of dividing up the city. Each unit had a specific duty, and the first duty of them all was to locate all places that were housing the infantry people, those that are their Hench men, or hired guns.

Each unit was to locate the enemy first and hopefully as they do, they would also locate both missing agents. Priority is and always will be protect the county at all costs.

Charlie had a drone that he was flying himself. He put his sister’s way of doing things into his own thought and felt that with his closeness and having her under his command for some time now that he could guess her next move from the area where her body guards were killed.

Charlie flew his drone over the area in front of the college main entrance, the same area where his sister started from, he assumes. The across an open field that was used for a rally that day. Charlie knew that she would do her best to blend in as she was moving to any are that provided safety. He then saw that not far from the field was a guard hut, the same one that had a dead guard and a phone line cut. Now he knew that is where she would have gone then took off again away from that place.

We found her phone in a trash container near the guard hut and next to that was a walking path through a wooded area. Yes, Charlie thought walk slowly and hopefully with a disguise that she would have picked up along the way. Now Charlie flew his drone over the area that he felt she went and at the end was street. That street went to the road of the college and away towards the city. So, Charlie now feels he has a good idea of what direction that she went in. So, Charlie motioned for Jenny to come over and look at what he may have found, a starting spot to now look for clues to where she went next.

Jenny then went back to her search of videos but now she has a much better idea of where to look for where cameras were mounted so that she could tap into there video storage units.

As Jenny browsed the videos, she came upon one that was used not far from the college road that was overseeing a four way stop. Probably because of so many accidents they need to have video to authorize having more police presence there.

Jenny then shouted to Charlie and the General, “I have found her starting point away from the college.”

They all came and viewed it. What they were now watching was me being surrounded by six men. Then the fight! As the confrontation was happening between me and the attackers, the general gave a chuckle and said, “that is why I had her go on this assignment, she can take care of herself.”

Then the hit from behind and a van pull up and drag her limp body into it. What was obvious was that she was alive, knocked out yes, but still alive. Then Jenny said I will follow that van as far as I can and while I do that check the plates for who owns that van. Everyone nodded, and they were off.

Chapter 38

I asked Laurie, “how are you feeling now that you aren’t being abused and have eaten something?”

She responded with, “I feel so much better mentally and physically. The food and no abuse helped, but what help the most was seeing you again.”

We both smiled and continued to form our weapons and look around the room for any other possible item that can be used for a weapon or some how to get out of here.

I told Laurie, “what we have to do is station ourselves on either side of the door. When Rosa or one of our captors open the door, we have to look fast and try and see what we can that is about this place.”

“Is it a working office, or possibly one that has been closed and still has remnants of what it was. That way we hopefully can see a name or symbol of the business, or possibly it may have been an apartment complex, school, restaurant, or some other type of place that we may have seen from the outside before.” I continued with.

Then with so many thoughts running through my head I said, “If by chance it is a familiar building whether it is still a functioning building or business, or one that has been abandoned and left unoccupied, one not completely empty now because it is occupied by not only our captors, but us too.”

Laurie and I searched every inch of the room that we were in. We looked for anything and did come up with some little things as in, some broken glass, plastic bags, and a few other items that it being alone a little force to use in our escape, but put together in a way, these items could be our salvation in obtaining our freedom.

After a few hours of searching and working on some idea of how we can get out, the door opened and in came Rosa with our dinner.

While she was coming in the room, Laurie looked in the direction that she could see and the same I in mine. Together after Rosa goes, we will eat our meal and tell each other of what we possibly saw or what we feel we did.

Laurie started with, “Terri, I think that this is a current type of business. Not much on the outside of our door but what I could tell is that beyond another set of doors I saw motion through the frosted glass.”

I said, “I feel that I saw the same. When our door was opened, I could see another door across the room open and for a moment I think that I saw a sign or symbol of a fish. Maybe we are in a restaurant or a seafood house, or even a warehouse that is still in use or not, the type of business does not matter as much as is it still in use as it was to be, or just a place to hide themselves and us.”

We both became excited at the idea that we are doing something to get out and that made us both motivated to get more information and make better and more deadly items to attack our captors. And hopefully soon.

We finished our food and immediately Rosa came back in to retrieve our trays. Now I know that they are watching us when we eat, maybe so they can see if we take a utensil or just for watching. I need more information on their habits of when and how long that they watch us and listen to us.

I asked Rosa in a whisper, “are they always watching and listening to us?”

She didn’t say much but said, “not when you sleep.” Then left the room.

I then said to Laurie, “according to Rosa they don’t care about us at night when they see us sleeping, so that is when we get closer to talk and plan. We need to find a place also that we can hide our weapons that we are making.”

Laurie smiled and pointed to the thin mattresses that we lay on. And with a motion like slicing it and made the motion of then spreading the mattress open and putting our stuff inside. I always loved to play charades when I was home during holidays or parties.

I smiled and nodded with an OK, and we stayed away from each other and would do hand gestures when we wanted to communicate. Something in the same way as sign language. We learned a short hand type at training.

So, now we plan and wait, wait for the exact right time to make our move.

Chapter 39

Jenny got a good shot of the van driving down a street then it just disappeared from any other camera.

She quickly called Charlie who at the time was maneuvering the drone over a different area. Jenny told Charlie the co-ordinance that she needed a fly over and to take a good picture of the area. Jenny felt that with a picture from above that she could get a good idea of where or how the van disappeared. She thought that possibly it could have entered a parking garage for one of the many buildings around or is parked in plain sight behind a building or tucked along side one.

Within minutes Charlie was flying the drone over the area that Jenny needed a picture from.

As soon as he took a picture, he sent it directly to her computer. She now had more information and soon she feels that she just might have an approximate location of where me and Laurie were taken to.

The General was already getting two units to that area and more in route from other locations that have not been useful in gathering any information of the organizations and their where about.

Charlie came right away to Jenny’s work station to hopefully get some great news about the location that we were taken to.

General Kelly also was standing with anticipation at Jenny’s desk, and all together gave out a gasp when Jenny pointed to a van parked near a building with a fish on it.

The building seemed to have some activity around it since the cameras were taking their videos of the area. But the building also looks to be not a retail business type, but more of an outlet or warehouse. The fish we will find out about after Jenny runs a report of all business on that street.

Hopefully with it looking to be some type of fish market or wholesaler someone will be inside that we can talk to or for a better word, interrogate.

Chapter 40

Laurie and I have made up some real crude weapons. They look to be from the stone age, but they should do what we want then to do.

The paper plates we folded them and inserted a piece of glass that we found and had a very small piece of packing tape to hold everything together. These crude knives that we made will be good for one stab and after that it will be up to our martial arts training and shear will power and the desire to survive.

Neither one of us are even thinking that a rescue is coming so we both decided that we will do what we were trained for and escape by our skills and determination to be free.

Soon we will be getting our meal brought in by Rosa, and again when she does, we will be stationed at out post and observe all that we can of the next room or rooms.

When Rosa came in with our trays, she had a look of fear on her face. I asked her, “what seems to be bothering you today, Rosa?”

She answered with, “I am being told that I will not be needed after tomorrow and that they will send me to another place to work for them.”

I said, “do you have any idea of what will be done with us? Are we also being moved?”

Rosa shook her head and said, “just me, you two will stay, I think. They said not a word of your fate.”

I looked at Laurie and we both knew that nothing good is going to happen to us after tomorrow.

I then said to Laurie, “girl, we better be prepared by tonight for what they have in mind for us. We need to have everything ready and a plan that will work. Or maybe we should just wing it as it is, because we really don’t have much information of what lies behind these walls and the next one. I have a feeling that they won’t care to much about us for tonight so that is why we will get moving on what else we can use to help us get out.”

Laurie didn’t say a word she just nodded with a yes and went back to work on a knife that she was making. It seems that she has a purpose that she is making sure that the glass is tight.

I took a plastic bag and tied a small length of a rope to each handle. I know that it won’t be air tight, but it should give the person that I put it over their head a fear that they will be suffocated. A few extra seconds can be what is needed to grab their weapon or just knock them out.

We both ate quickly because we first needed all the strength that we can get, and to be ready just in case someone decides to have a little fun with us tonight, like the terrorist.

After we were done with our food, we put our weapons that we made under our thin mats. We decided that it would be better to finish working on them after they feel we were sleeping. But we both had a home-made knife in reach in case trouble arises from one or more of the men that have us captive.

It was close to the time that they would feel we were sleeping and then the door knob on the door started to turn.  Thought that it was not Rosa coming back for anything, the only thought that I now had was that the men are not going to wait until tomorrow.

I looked at Laurie and she slowly reached for her knife. I was just about to do the same when the door opened and in comes our favorite terrorist.

Laurie’s face turned cold and he saw that and said, “don’t worry my pretty American, I am not going to do you any harm tonight. I want you two to think about all the fun we will have tomorrow. Once most of the men leave, you two and I will have fun. Then what happens to you will be only my choice.”

He laughed as he came a little closer to Laurie, she was not frightened at all with his words or him coming right at her. I feel that she has had enough of his abuse and soon he will be the first that she kills in her revenge of these people that have taken us.

As he approached her, he kept saying over and over, “you want this.” As he rubbed his hands over his chest as if that was what Laurie wanted.

But what I feel that Laurie really wanted was to see this man lay dead in a pool of blood on the floor in front of her.

Then just when he was about two feet in front of her, Laurie moved closer to him and with a smile on her face said, “oh you are so right, I do want you. But not in the way that you think I do.”

Then with her home-made knife in her hand behind her back she swung her arm around and trusted it into his throat. And as she did, she just kept the smile on her face and said, “now this is so much better than sex, isn’t it?”

As she did that, I came up quickly and put my hand over his mouth so that he could not yell out for others. When I did that, I noticed that he had a knife in his belt just under his shirt.

I took it out and with anger in my heart, I stabbed him in the side of his chest, just under his rib cage towards his lungs. Between the one in his throat and now the one that I put in his chest he started to fall to the floor. When he was falling, both of us grabbed one arm so that he would drop to the floor slowly and that way there would be no sound of him hitting the floor.

I looked at Laurie and she just said, “sorry, Terri, I could not take another word from him. I know we were going to wait until most of the people leave tomorrow, but again, I am sorry.”

I gave her a consoling look and said, “don’t worry, if you didn’t, I was about to do what you did. I know the timing may be wrong but now we cannot worry of what will come, we have to make it happen ourselves and hope for the best out come today.”

She gave me a smile and a nod then said, “well, no time like the present, let’s get going so we can get out of here. And if we meet others on the way, so be it. Either they die today, or we do.”

Chapter 41

While Laurie and I was about to start our adventure together, out side six teams were in the process of surrounding this area. They were not sure of the exact building that we might be in, and if we are even still in this area at all.

Charlie and Jenny were organizing the different units to different locations around the building that they hoped we were in.

Charlie put one sharp shooter out front in a location that had the best view of the front door and one of the side doors. In back up high in a high rise he had a military sniper, one that could make a shot at a mile and not miss. The one in back being up high had an advantage of being able to take a shot at three sides of the building. The one in front, if anyone would try to retreat inside and go out any other door, the sniper would take his shot.

So, with the building in question completely covered by these men and women. It was only a matter of time before they struck.

The General felt that they should wait for an hour and if nothing happens, or no one seems to be leaving or coming, they then will slowly make the approach to enter the building.

But what they weren’t anticipating was that inside the building that they now have completely covered, Laurie and I were in the process of making our escape.

Once we get out, that is if we get out, both the units and Laurie and I will be surprised at what just happened. That we escaped or that they found us and was about to save us.

Soon we all will know.

Chapter 42

I cautiously looked out the door to see if he had anyone watching the door when he went in. And with luck I didn’t see anyone else.

We slowly stepped out into another room and as we did, I saw that our friend had left his weapons outside the door. Must have done that so we wouldn’t have any chance of trying to get at least one gun from him and use that same one on him. Smart for a fool that he was.

I picked up his 9mm and Laurie took the AK-47 rifle. She smiled and said, “good choice Terri, you always were the better shot at the academy, so I will use the one that I can’t miss anyone with.”

We both gave a silent chuckle and made our way to the door across the room. We went there first because we heard voices and we needed to see not only who was in that room, how many, but what were they saying. Could they have heard us or just talking of what their plans are for the next day, either way, that room first.

When we were right outside of the door I stopped and gave Laurie a sick look. What I heard coming from that room made me sick, I heard that accent before, not the voice itself but the Russian accent.

Laurie heard what I did and motioned for me to not rush in, just yet. She then quietly said, “Terri I heard it also. Don’t do anything stupid. Let’s listen for a moment and try to hear what they are up to.”

I nodded in agreement, so we listened to the men in the room talk. One I knew by the voice was Carlos, the Russian I wasn’t sure yet. I heard Middle Eastern and Oriental, plus other accents.

What I thought was that this place that we were held in was the main meeting place for the new crime organization.

As we were listening to the conversation in the room, Rosa came crawling up to us and said, “I knew you two were going to escape here, I want to go too. Please!”

I held up my finger to my lips, so she would lower her voice. The one thing that we don’t need now is them surprising us instead of us them. They have the fire power and many men, but with our combined talent and the element of surprise, we stand a slightly than better chance on getting out.

I then said to Rosa, “go into that closet over there. When we get out either one of us will come back for you or we will send someone. And remember that only come out if it is us or someone we send, they will say that Terri or Laurie sent them. Those words will be what you need to hear so that you can then come out, OK?”

Rosa nodded with a yes and rapidly started to crawl over to the door of the closet. When just about to go in, she said, “please don’t forget me!”

We both then nodded, and I gave a thumb up. And turned back to listening to those that were in that room.

When Rosa was closing the door to her hiding place, the door must have stuck and when she pulled harder to close it, it gave out a loud clunk. Inside the room became silent and Carlos said, “who is out there?”

Then a few of his men could be seen coming to the door. I couldn’t make out who they were or even how many, because of the frosted glass on the door and windows.

I knew that it was only going to be a few seconds before these people open the door and see us, so I whispered to Laurie, “on three I will break the glass on the door, that should give me a second to stand and take out as many as I can before they shoot back. You then break the window and show them what an angry woman can do with an AK-47.”

We both smiled and took a deep breath then I smashed the door glass with the 9mm and as it broke, I stood up and took out three that were in front of me. Laurie then stood and broke the window and unloaded a 30-round magazine into the room. She didn’t care if she hit anyone just that there would be noise and gun fire and that would take any shots that would be directed at me towards herself and give me a second chance to take out more of those who not only held us captive but want to control America along with the rest of the world.

One, two, three, then all hell broke loose.

As I was shooting at the men in the room, I saw that Carlos was leaving through a door on the other side of the room. Then I saw the Russian man, he was tall and looked so familiar to me. I then realized who he was, it was Mikhail’s father himself.

He was the one who had us taken, it must have been for leverage of his son so that he would do what his father wanted or maybe that the father wanted to rule more than just Russia and did this whole thing with Laurie and I, so he could.

I was just about to take a shot at him when I decided that if I can, I will try to capture him, so he could be questioned. That is if I can by myself. Even with Laurie helping, it will be nearly impossible trying capture a former KGB Agent, that is as good if not better trained than us.

After the shooting stopped, the room was empty of any living people. Laurie and I slowly went in and tried to see who may still be alive to question on how many more we are going to face on our way out.

But no luck with that idea because between my direct hits and Laurie spraying the room with bullets, none were alive. A total of eight were lying dead on the floor of that room.

Now we must move fast because the entire building is now ready for two women with guns doing their best to escape.

When we reach the door on the other side of the room, the one that Carlos and Alexander Petrov went through, we stopped and tried to listen if we could hear anyone on the other side of the door or any noise of any type, like men running away, or towards us.

Chapter 43

While we were contemplating our next move, outside the building was becoming a war zone. After Charlie heard shots being fired, he knew the only ones that would be doing it, were either the criminals shooting their captives and traitors, or Laurie and I were escaping. Charlie hoped and that it was Laurie and me escaping.

Charlie after hearing the shots ordered the units to converge on the building. As they did, they found that coming out of the building was about a hundred or more men all with guns and all firing in an uncontrolled motion, as they attempted to get away.

Out front the sharp shooter did his job and neutralized at least six leaving the building. As they were making their exit, they started to fire upon the one unit directly in front of the building. That was the shooters clue to go.

Nothing from the rear as no one made an exit out the back, just yet.

The General ordered a helicopter with twelve Navy Seals to descend on the roof and work their way down.

Now only on the outside with both sides and the front a bloody battle ensued. The new syndicates army was being depleted with every step they made out from their hide out.

Jenny was in an armored van flying mini drones over the building. She would than give instructions to those on the ground of what direction they were coming, and how many of the enemy there were.

Little did they know that the whole time that they were pushing the criminals back inside the building the harder that it was becoming for us to get out.

While the battle dragged on at the bottom and now on the roof, we started our own war to get out.

Chapter 44

With Rosa safe in her hiding place, Laurie and I made our way down a hallway that seemed to lead to the exit. How did we know that it did, because the sign on the ceiling said exit!

We moved slow as to not make any mistakes and miss an enemy that wants to kill us just as bad as we want to kill them.

I went first because I had the pistol and it was easier to maneuver around the corners. Laurie had my back and I had hers. Once we were at the end of one hall, I stopped a second and turned to tell Laurie that after I make the bend for her to then go.

But when I turned, I saw a terrorist one raising his rifle to shoot Laurie. I screamed for her to turn to see, but he already shot her in the shoulder. I returned fire and I didn’t miss, right in the forehead.

Laurie with a smirk said, “nice shot partner, now help me get up. I feel that the bullet went right through my shoulder so make me a sling for my arm with the shirt of the guy who shot me.”

Then when I was going to her, behind me was another. Laurie yelled to me, “behind you!”

I turned to confront him because Laurie was in a bad spot to try and shot him. I then raised my arm with my pistol and as I did, he knocked the gun out of my hand. Now I knew this guy wasn’t your typical paid employee.

I then pulled out the knife that I took from the first guy and we stood straight in front of each other. Then he pulled his knife. Now we fought.

He was very good at knife fighting but what he didn’t have was the determination to live that I have. So, not being able to circle each other as you would think that we would, so we could study each other’s moves to make a defense or offense of our body language.

I took a few swipes at him to see what he would do, and I found out quickly. As I made a swipe that I had to lean in for he took advantage of my off balance and sliced my left arm with his knife. I was using it for a defensive move, but that didn’t happen as planned. He made a large cut and very deep.

Laurie then had her shot on him and took it. Then this fight was over but we both knew that there was many more ahead, before we get out.

Now carefully we made the first turn and continued down the next hallway. Laurie kept looking at her back and I in front. I did notice that she was stumbling every so often as she walked. Her arm must hurt more than she is letting on.

I told her rest here for a minute, I am going to go ahead for just a bit to see if we have a clear run to a stair case to get us down.

I knew an elevator was out of the question, which I wished it wasn’t because of Laurie’s wound and what I can tell her loosing a lot of blood, which will make her weaker.

I walked around a corner and made my way down a hall to see if the way was clear from any bad guys. I knew that the condition that Laurie is in she will be moving slow, so with me going ahead and having her come up to me after I make sure it is ok to come, is the smart thing to do. If by chance trouble is up ahead, I can maneuver well enough to hopefully get myself out of any trouble that might come my way.

But Laurie needs to sit to shoot because her right shoulder was hit, and she is right handed. When she took a shot before, she used her right arm to hold up the rifle and that is when her wound became even worse.

I was approximately mid-way down the hall when I heard footsteps coming towards me. I didn’t yell to Laurie of someone coming because they were to close to me already and any sound would take away my advantage of surprise.

I was next to a door to some type of office, which luckily it was unlocked. I opened the door and went inside, when in I closed the door but not closed shut. I left it opened just a sliver, enough to be able to see out.

The door window was frosted like most on this floor, so I crouched down so not to have my figure show in the glass.

I let them pass me, and when I felt that they were just far enough away from me that they wouldn’t see or hear me, if I am quiet and quick.

I opened the door and exited the room, and turned to them and as I did, I shouted a warning to Laurie.

I knew that now they heard me and one of the two turned towards me and the other was just making the turn towards Laurie. I pulled the trigger twice and with both shots I hit the one turning towards me. The other immediately turned the corner in hopes of not getting shot by me, but he ended up in the line of sight of Laurie’s AK-47 and she then took her shot and that one was down.

I yelled all clear and she came around the corner. She was now bleeding even more and was very weak. She did her best to walk but she needed help.

My left arm was hurting more now, from the large gash that was in it from my knife fight before. So, with her right arm out of commission and my left getting worse, the idea of me helping her lean on my right shoulder meant that I needed a good arm on my left to shoot.

But even being a bit awkward we did it. As she leaned on my right shoulder for support, I kept the pistol in my right hand. I just had her put her arm around my neck with my right shoulder under hers for support, and I held my right arm up with the gun ready.

We walked for a little and then Laurie said, “I need to rest a moment, if that is ok?”

I responded with, “no need to feel bad about your condition, if you need to stop then we stop. Let’s walk to that corner and you sit at it, so you have a view of both halls. I will go up a bit more to make sure it is safe. The door to the stairs is just up another fifty feet or so, so when I get to the door you can come, and we will go down the stairs.”

Laurie then asked me a question. “Terri, what floor are we on by the way, because going down the stairs will be difficult but not impossible. I can use the hand rail instead of leaning on you, that way your shooting hand will be completely free.”

I gave out a chuckle at what she just said and said, “with everything that we have been through since we started our escape from here, I didn’t even look to see what floor we are on.”

I then looked around to find a sign stating what floor we were on, then I saw it. I then said, “well Laurie we are on the sixth floor. So, we will go down as far as the second and look outside for what may be going on. I have heard shots being fired so I assume that the police have arrived after our shooting spree before. So, if they are here a good possibility that our teams will be not far behind. When a group of all nationalities are running from a building and shooting, I know that Charlie knows that it must be where we are. I hope. Because it just may think that different groups are fighting with each other, for control”

I went towards the door to the stairs and as I did and not paying any attention to what may be in front of me, I stopped a second and checked my magazine to be sure that I had ammo in it just in case when I open the door that I need it.

I ejected my magazine and Laurie checked her rifle and together we were reloading our weapons. But as we were doing that a not so friendly guy came down the hall towards us. Again, not paying attention to our surroundings, not so good for our well-being. I tried to quickly load my pistol, but this man already saw that we were without any ammo.

He smiled and said, “so, this must be my lucky day. I have two pretty American women and I am about to send you both to hell.”

Just when he seemed to start to pull the trigger, I immediately reached behind my back and took out the knife that I took from the first man that Laurie and I took care of.

With the pistol in my left hand I threw the knife right into the chest of the man standing in our way to freedom.

Laurie said with excitement in her voice, “nice throw girl, you still have it!” I pulled the knife from the man’s chest and wiped it off on him and we continued.

With both reloaded, we made our way through the door and stopped a minute to try to listen for any footsteps that may be coming down or coming up the stairs.

I then said to Laurie, “use the hand rail to your left and I will put my arm around your right side to help steady you as you go down the steps. I will have my 9mm up and ready in my right hand, just in case.”

Laurie said to me, “thanks Terri, thanks for coming for me and what you have done so far for me. I will never forget. So, Agent Walker, let’s get going.”

I then said, “when we get to the next floor, I want you to stay in the corner by the door. For two reasons, one in case someone opens the door you will be hidden behind it. Also, you will have a good view up the stairs in case anyone comes down.”

I started her on her way down the first set of stairs and as we were just going, I told her more of the plan to get down alive.

I continued with, “I will stay at the bottom of the first set of stairs watching down for anyone coming up and if the door opens I would have a great shot at him, and if he gets me instead you will be behind the door and could finish him off when the door closes as he comes down to see who he just shot. Then again down to the next floor.”

She nodded, and we continued down. I knew that she was doing everything that she could to keep up straight. I didn’t want to stop because of hearing the shooting outside and in different areas of the building. I heard shots at the top and the bottom floors, hopefully Rosa stays in her hiding place and doesn’t panic with all the gun fire that is happening now.

We started down on the sixth floor, so far, we made it to the fifth and are almost to the fourth. Laurie in her position and me in mine, I was just about to signal her to come down, so we can go another floor when the door opened. I did a turn from looking down the stairs, the door by Laurie opened, so I shot the guy in the doorway before he could come out into the stair well. Lucky for us he fell back into the hall and the door closed by itself. I knew that he was not a friend by all the tattoos on his face, arms, and bald head. So, good shot I thought.

Now to the third and finally the second floor. As we opened the door, Laurie just put the tip of her rifle through and I went down to my knees to get a look in the hall. I knew that if someone was in the hall and they saw the rifle sticking out they would not think that anyone would be down low and look in the hall.

I looked both ways and stood up and walked into the hallway. Laurie hesitated a second and then she came in also.

Now we need to find a room to look out a window to see what is going on outside, and for Laurie to rest for a few minutes.

Between getting knifed and beat up along with Laurie still not in perfect shape after all the abuse that she endured, we still have done some damage to these guys today.

Chapter 45

With us feeling safe for now, we both took a rest and were looking out the windows to see what was going on in the street. To our surprise it wasn’t the police that were having a fire fight with the guys from this building but our guys.

Laurie and I did a high five and smiled at each other. I said, “soon they will take these guys over and we will be taking each other to a hospital to have our wounds taken care of.”

But before that we have one more floor and many more bad guys to fight in order to really get out of here and free.

After all that we just went through and Laurie’s gun shot and me having my arm sliced, we let our guard down and had our weapons next to us on the floor and not in our hands. We were mesmerized by all the fighting in the streets that we didn’t pay any attention to what could be behind us.

Well we found out that Carlos and Alexander Petrov plus many of their men were standing in the door way to the room that we were in. All smiling.

Hearing a noise behind me I grabbed my pistol and turned towards the door. When I was almost completely turned, I saw them standing and smiling at us.

Carlos then said, “you two are not your typical American women. You both have some guts and good fighting abilities. You made it all this way and I know for a fact that there was many in between where you started and here. So, who are you two really?”

Neither one of us answered his question. Then Alexander said, “I must admit that my son does have excellent taste in women, and he finds those with a lot of fight in them. To bad that you two will never have an opportunity to see if you are right for each other.”

Two of his men came up to us and took our weapons, but missed the knife, thankfully. Then we stood up and walked towards our captors which we hoped that we would not see again.

I looked at Laurie and she the same to me and I said, “well girl, back where we started.” Then we both just laughed.

Laurie then asked them, “so gentlemen, what are your plans for us now?”

Carlos then said, “you two will help us get out of here by being a shield for us. You see I feel that you are more than you say to be and with what has come here to take us down, I again feel that they are here for you two, also. So, no one will shoot at us with you two in front of us.”

I wanted to tell him that if a shot is good and one of us or both are in the way, they will take the shot, and we will have helped end the mission with our lives.

Chapter 46

Laurie and I went with them without a fight. We knew that once out in the open a shooter will take one or both down. I feel that they just may want Alexander to stay alive for questioning later.

While we found ourselves back as captives or now a hostage, back at headquarters where they were questioning Mikhail things got odd.

As the entire room was becoming a communications station for what was going on where I was at, Mikhail was just about forgotten. He was sitting around not in a cell or in handcuffs, because they felt that he could never get out with all those around. But they were wrong because as the fighting intense so did the communications and the lack of watching what was marked as a valuable person of interest.

Mikhail hearing what was happening at one of Carlos’s buildings, he knew that must be where he was hiding us. So, he just casually walked out of the building with keys he found on a board for cars that were parked outside.

Mikhail then drove to one of his safe houses, not to hide but to get a gun. He then drove to the scene of all the fighting.

Now up on the sixth floor where this all started, a team of Navy Seals were going from the roof down. As they were walking around the room where Laurie and I first started to get our revenge and peruse our freedom of our captures, one seal came up to the captain and said, “who ever did this are absolutely well trained and fearless soldiers. There must be a dozen or more dead men from here to the door to the stairs. Which as we went saw blood droppings on the floor to the door and on it. That blood came from the person or persons that killed all of these guys.”

The Captain responded with, “they are well trained, and are on what I feel is a revenge war against these guys. It must be Agents Laurie Smith and Terri Walker. They were taken, and this must be the place that they were held.”

Just when he finished saying that, he heard a noise come from a closet near him. He and some of his men went to the closet and before they could open it themselves, it was opened by Rosa. She came out and with a big smile on her face said, “Terri and Laurie sent you just like they said thy would. I am Rosa and I was the one that brought them their meals and they said that they would help me get away from here.”

Then the Captain called on his radio to the communications van that was parked just out back of the building. In it was the General, Charlie, and Jenny. They were directing what was going on from inside it. And was now going to get some news that would either make them feel good or sad at what was to be told to them.

After the captain called the van and gave those inside the news that the real battle was happening starting on the sixth floor and by Terri and Laurie. But they were also told of the large amount of blood that was on the floor and doors and not from those that were killed by presumably the two Agents.

The three got out of the van and were walking towards the back of the building where the loading dock was. Charlie knew that the side and front doors were being used to get out of the building but not yet the back.

Charlie then was just about to give the order to breach the back and enter the building in search of Terri and Laurie, and he hoped that they were both still alive.

Then when he was starting to speak into his head set to give the order, at that moment the back door was slowly opening.

Everyone was now ready to shoot whoever exited the building. Then appearing from the door was Agent Laurie Smith, with Alexander Petrov behind her. Charlie’s eyes were opened wide now after seeing her. He also knew that no one could shoot at him with her as his shield.

Jenny said, “Charlie she is badly wounded, that must be where the blood that was all over up stairs came from. What I can tell by all the blood on her blouse is that she is just about to bleed out very soon, so we have to act fast.”

Charlie and Jenny moved in closer and was hoping that next coming out would be Terri. They didn’t have to wait to long and then came Terri. She was being a shield for a man who then Jenny said was Carlos, the head of all the drug cartels south of our border.

Jenny now gave out a gasp at all the blood that was on her left arm and shoulder. Jenny then said, “Charlie she could be almost bled out like Laurie looks to be. We have to move, and soon.”

I saw my brother Charlie and Jen standing not far away from me, and I was happy and sad at the same time. Tears started to flow down my cheeks and Jen saw that and she began to cry.

I looked at Charlie and stood up the best that I could for Carlos had his arm around my neck holding me so that I would not get away. He needed his shield, or he would die for sure today.

Carlos had his left arm around my neck, so I then decided that either I do something, or he may just get away. I held up my right hand to my chest and then put up three fingers and then pointed to my right.

Charlie saw my hand signal and shook his head no, but I nodded with a yes.

Charlie then held up his arm and put up three fingers. And a slight flash came from a building far away from us. I then knew that they had a sniper ready to take a shot and I have just volunteered to be the possible the target if the shot failed to hit the intended target.

I glanced over at Laurie and she looked so bad. Blood now was dripping from her arm to the ground and at that moment I knew what I had to do. She saw my eyes and gave a head shake of no. I just smiled and looked back at Charlie and gave a nod. I then put up my three fingers and again a slight glimmer in a building about 500 yards away.

I knew once I counted down there was no turning back, I just need to move far enough to my right so that hopefully the bullet does not hit me but does Carlos.

I thought to help me get to the right far enough I need for him to loosen his grip on me just a bit. So, I decided at the count of two that I would step hard on his toes. He was wearing soft walking shoes and with me the same but stepping down hard hopefully would be enough to cause him a bit of discomfort at least and that would be what I just may need.

I could see Jenny holding onto Charlie, but Charlie seemed not to be to be worried at the shot that the sniper will be taking. Then I took a deep breath and said to myself, he never misses! Then started my count down.

One, two, and I stepped hard and as I dropped my last finger I was already pulling to the right and then I heard it. The echoing of the rifle shot and then I closed my eyes.

A second later I felt a burn on my left arm. At first, I thought that because I was pulling away from Carlos’s grip that I opened my wound more.

But then I also felt Carlos go limp. I then turned to see a large amount of blood coming from his chest and he slowly dropped to the ground. A direct hit to the heart. I quickly gave a thumb up and another glimmer from that building.

Charlie just gave me a nod and Jenny took a deep breath and started to move towards me. Carlos’s men were dropping their weapons and putting up their hands and surrendering.

I then looked over at Laurie and Alexander still had her in front of him and his men still around him.

Then a car pulled up to the loading dock right in front of Alexander. Out of the car came Mikhail. I stopped from running right away over by him and his father, because I felt that he would now save Laurie.

Mikhail said to his father, “why did you do this, they were not to be involved with any of the family business?”

His father responded with, “but you were not worthy enough to lead the New World Syndicate. That should have been my job and I felt that if I had your American women play toys as hostages, then you would easily give up your position and give it to me. I had most of the groups coming into my leadership so, I am sorry son, but I wasn’t going to let you have it. After all you did pick two beauties, and I don’t mean their looks but that they are government agents. So, Mikhail I did you a favor.”

Mikhail screamed at his father and said, “you liar! They are not agents.” And as he said that he looked into Laurie’s eyes and turned to me and then he knew that his father was right.

I now was becoming nervous at the idea that Mikhail would not save Laurie but want to do her harm. Then he pulled out a pistol and pointed not at his father but at Laurie.

Mikhail said, “you both must die for making a fool of me.”

Then just when he was about to pull the trigger I reached behind my back and pulled out the knife. And as I twisted my body, I threw it and hit Mikhail directly in the temple with it. He had a look of being startled on his face then dropped to the ground.

Then I saw a flash from the building that I assumed was were the sniper was still at, and yelled to Laurie, “drop down now!”

She listened and did what I said, and another hit directly to the back of Alexander’s head. I guess that they didn’t care to much about any questions that he may answer for them.

I think that they decided with both family heads now dead that it would be a while before anyone takes over and has it the way it was with the Petrov’s.

An EMS truck came up and went to Laurie first and then another came up and over to me. We will be both be at the hospital very soon. And as they were carrying me to the truck Jenny came over and said, “I heard from the seal team that came into the building from the roof that you and Laurie did some real damage in there.”

I smiled, and Charlie took my hand and squeezed it then I passed out before they even put me into the truck.

Chapter 47

I am not sure how long that I was out but when I woke, I was laying in a bed and with Laurie in the one next to me.

I was so groggy after all that I went through. But as I sat up, I noticed that my brother and sister in law along with the general was there in my room.

The only thing that I said was, “he never misses!”

They all laughed, and then my uncle Rick walked into the room and said, “so you had faith in my shooting? I must admit that when I took that shot, I was worried that I would miss my target, and hit you. You now that it has been awhile since I did any real shooting. But I then saw what happened and was pleased, so my second shot was easier.”

I then said, “I love you Uncle Rick, and I never doubted your ability.”

He laughed at that and my brother said, “when did you know that it was Rick?”

I said, “I didn’t, but you looked calm just before he shot, so I knew that you wouldn’t have trusted anyone else to do what he just did.”

I then said with a great big smile, “Uncle Rick, you are my hero!”

Then Laurie said, “and Terri you are my hero! If it wasn’t for you coming for me, maybe not exactly the way that you planned it, but you did it. I have no idea of what would have come of me. So, thank you friend.”

Then I said, “and Laurie you would have done the same for me.”

Everyone in the room gave a chuckle, when Terri sat up and said, “what ever happened to Rosa? I promised her to get her to safety.”

The General then said, “a true military person, never leaves a comrade behind. Don’t worry after a few from the seal team that came in from the roof swept the floor, which they said it looked as if a whole seal team went through it, they came across her hiding in a closet and they took her by helicopter away from the building. Oh, by the way two of the seal team members, when after they found out that it was you two that did the damage to those men, want to know if you are single?”

Everyone laughed at that and both Laurie and Terri said, “I think we have had enough of men for some time now.”

Then the injured women sat up in bed as if nothing was wrong with them as a little Spanish girl came walking into the room, holding the hand of Terri’s mother.

Terri said, “well hello Rosa, I see you found a new friend.”

Rosa smiled and said, “yes, I am with your mother, and she is so beautiful just as you are.”

I almost cried when they came in, not only Rosa being ok, but that my mother came all this way to be with me. Then I heard it. “Terri, you said nothing for a while and when you do only safe stuff. What happened?”

Still being a bit groggy I said, “well, if you want to know, take a look at the woman in the next bed, look familiar?”

My mother’s mouth opened wide and her words were sketchy at best when she said, “Laurie! Oh my, what happened to you?”

Laurie answered with, “I got in a bit of trouble and Terri came to save me, sorry that it was her that came, but I am glad that she did, even though today I am a little beat up, but I am alive because of her. So please don’t be too hard on her.”

My mother just gave a nod and said nothing to her as tears started to form in her eyes.

Then my mother gave some great news and said, “Terri I think that you remember the friend of mine that lives in my complex, Angela Rodriquez. She used to be an agent like yourself and got out some time ago. Well with her connections and your brothers, Rosa will be living with her as a foster care child. That is until papers can be filed for a permanent adoption of her.”

Both Laurie and I started to cry with that news and Rosa said, “please don’t cry, it is a good thing, right. I will have a real family and it is because of my two new friends. You will come visit too.”

Laurie and I could only smile and nod with a yes.

Then the smiles disappeared because the General cleared his throat which means he is about to speak. And then he did and said, “well Agents, you Laurie, the doctors say that you will need a few months to get back to your old self, so take your time and get better. We can debrief you in a few days after the medical staff gives me the ok. But you Agent Walker, your doctors say that I can talk to you by tomorrow and I have set up a place for a debriefing down in one of the hospitals conference rooms. Then we will decide what is next for you.”

I smiled and gave a nod, but my mother gave the general a frown, so did Rosa.

Then my uncle Rick spoke and said, “pardon my boldness General, but don’t you think that Terri has been through a great deal and should have light duty for a while.”

Then the General said, “I said nothing of any new assignments, what said was that we are to debrief her here in the hospital so that she doesn’t have to be away from her care. That is all, when the time is right her commander will give her the mission. And that is as it was before, Charlie.”

My mother took a deep breath and so did I. I feel that a few weeks at least before I go back into the field, and I know that my brother would agree.

Then Charlie put his military cap back on and said, “Agent Smith, take care and I will be in touch soon. But only after your doctors say I can, and you Agent Walker, in the morning down stairs, and we can talk after debriefing of what is to come for you to do, desk or field, only you can say.”

He gave a wink and they all left the room. And I know what his wink meant, so I will decide what is next, and I feel it will be soon.

This is the first Terri Walker series of a woman who was to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a school teacher.

That scenario didn’t happen, but what did was that she followed in her brothers and uncles’ footsteps. Both of who were military special ops and not your typical ones either.

Terri Walker now begins her future which is to protect her country from all enemies both domestic and foreign.

From a quiet school teacher to an extremely tough fighter that never gives up. Terri Walker, Covert Government Agent is here to take care of business.

I want to thank all those who have raised their hands and swore an oath to defend the people of the United States of America from all that would want to do harm against them. Military, Law Enforcement and many of those secret agencies and its people, who only have an id number and never a name.

Table of Contents

- A Terri Walker Series
- In the Families Footsteps
- Other books by Author:
- A Max Stone Series
- The Cottages
- A Max Stone Series
- Copyrighted, Robert Segulin, 2019
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 28
- Chapter 29
- Chapter 30
- Chapter 31
- Chapter 32
- Chapter 33
- Chapter 34
- Chapter 35
- Chapter 36
- Chapter 37
- Chapter 38
- Chapter 39
- Chapter 40
- Chapter 41
- Chapter 42
- Chapter 43
- Chapter 44
- Chapter 45
- Chapter 46
- Chapter 47