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  Big Jack stepped around Alec and looked at Scott getting to his feet while rubbing his wrist. “Is that right, Scott?”

  Tess noticed the big football player look at Alec before glancing at her and nodding his head. “Yeah, that’s right, Jack. I must’ve slipped on a slice of pepperoni or something.”

  “All right, if that’s the way you say it happened,” said Big Jack.

  Tess noticed her boss gesture at her with his left hand. “I better not see any more of my customers falling out of their chairs. You hear me?”

  Controlling her temper, Tess nodded her head. Keep it cool, she thought. Bad as it is, I need this job.

  As Alec helped his friend back into his chair, she noticed Mrs. Walker’s nephew look at her and mouth, “sorry.” She shrugged her shoulder before taking the tray back to the kitchen.

  Just another exciting night at Big Jack’s, she thought. I really hate Mondays.

  * * *

  Tess took a final look at the clock. One minute after eleven, she thought. At least my shift’s over.

  “That’s it, everybody,” yelled Big Jack at the remaining customers. “We’re closed. Go home and study or whatever it is you do when you’re not here.”

  Since there weren’t many patrons left in the place, it didn’t take Mary and Tess long to clean up after the last one walked out the door. Table five had cleared out a few minutes earlier. Surprisingly, someone at the table had left her a twenty-dollar tip. She patted her pocket. The unexpected money would come in handy.

  Mary walked outside with her and pointed at a bright blue pickup in the parking lot. “Looks like you’ve got an admirer. You want me to hang around for a bit?”

  Shaking her head, Tess said, “No. I can take care of myself.”

  Mary laughed. “That you can, girl. Watch out anyway. I’d hate to have to pull a shift tomorrow all by my lonesome.”

  As Mary headed toward her car, Alec Johnson stepped out of his truck and made his way to where Tess had parked her motorcycle. At her glare, he held up his hands and smiled as he approached. “I come in peace. I’m not armed.”

  “What do you want? I’m tired.”

  “I wanted to apologize for Scott. He’s having a tough time right now.”

  Tess snorted. “Aren’t we all? You know, it never ceases to amaze me how rich people think they’re going through tough times. I’d trade my problems for yours any day.”

  Alec looked at her for a couple of seconds. “Are you trying to call me rich?”

  Pointing at the new truck behind him, Tess said, “What do you think? Did your mommy and daddy buy you that for your birthday?”

  Alec bit his lip, seeming to hold back his tongue. At the sound of an engine, she saw him look across the parking lot as Mary turned her lights on. The car remained in place with the engine idling.

  Good ol’ Mary, Tess thought. She’s a year younger than me, but she acts like a mother hen sometimes.

  Alec pointed a thumb in the direction of Mary’s car. “I think your friend’s trying to tell me to hurry up.”

  Tess said nothing, pretty sure she knew what the rich boy wanted and just as sure he wasn’t going to get it from her.

  “Like I was saying,” said Alec. “I want to apologize for Scott. He can be a jerk at times, but he’s really got a good heart when you get to know him.”

  “I’m sure. Is that all? I’ve got to get up early tomorrow. I don’t have a butler to lay out my clothes and serve me breakfast in bed. I’ve got to get up and do it myself.”

  Alec’s face darkened as he pointed at her. “What is it with you?” he asked through gritted teeth. “I’m trying to be nice since we’ve got to work on a project together, but all you want to do is throw around that bad-girl attitude of yours.”

  “Well, maybe if I was rich like you—”

  “How the hell do you get off calling me rich?”

  She pointed at the truck again. “Why do you think?”

  “Well, think again. That’s not my truck. Good ol’ Scott ran my twelve-year-old piece of crap truck into a tree four-wheeling last week. His dad loaned me this truck while he fixes mine. When I get my truck back, you won’t have any trouble spotting it. It’ll be the one with more rust spots than paint.”

  Tess didn’t like being on the defensive and decided to try a feint around the side. “Mary told me that you lived in the Gray Gables subdivision. I thought that was where all the money in town stayed.”

  “Then you thought wrong, Missy. My grandmother’s farm is there. It was there a long time before any of those houses. A high-end developer bought the surrounding farms and built the subdivision. My grandparents refused to sell.”

  “So you’re telling me your rich parents don’t live in the subdivision? I find that hard to believe.”

  “You know, Tess. You’re a snob. You’re also somewhat of an ass. My parents were both killed in a car accident when I was six. My grandparents raised me. Not that it’s any of your business, but my entire life savings consists of about six thousand dollars. That plus my football scholarship money will barely get me through my first year at State. So you can take that attitude of yours and stick—” Alec turned away to look at Mary’s car. Without turning back, he said, “I’ve got to go. Have a great life.”

  Tess watched Alec walk to his truck and start to open the door. “Wait!” When Alec stopped and glanced over his shoulder, she said, “Look, we’re both tired. And…ah…I’m sorry about your parents.” Before she realized what she was doing, she said, “My mother died when I was nine. I’ve still got Dad, but…”

  It was her turn to look away. She’d already told the boy more than she’d intended. Glancing at Mary’s car, she waved her hand, signaling her coworker it was okay to leave. Both Alec and she remained silent until Mary drove out of the parking lot and was halfway up the street.

  Tess looked at Alec and pointed at his truck again. “All right, maybe I pegged you wrong, but you’ve got to admit that’s a nice truck.”

  The boy laughed. Tess thought he had a nice laugh.

  “That it is, but the gas mileage sucks. I’m ready to get my four-cylinder back. I don’t have to make near as many pit stops. Gas is expensive.”

  Jerking a thumb at her motorcycle, Tess allowed herself a smile. “Tell me about it. Why do you think I’ve got a cycle instead of a car? The gas mileage’s good, but it can get pretty miserable in the winter.”

  Alec grinned, seeming to relax. Tess noticed he was tall. She had always preferred tall boys.

  “You drive it for the mileage, huh?” said Alec. “To be honest, half the guys at the table tonight were betting that you were a member of some kickass motorcycle gang before you came to Covington. You don’t exactly dress like a conservative.”

  Waving her hand at her leather jacket and ripped pants, Tess laughed. “Hmm. And here I thought I was blending in.”

  The lights inside Big Jack’s went out. A few seconds later, Tess heard the sound of the owner’s car engine come to life.

  “Look,” Tess said. “I really do have to get up early tomorrow. I’m free for a couple of hours after school if you want to meet at the library and go over the project.”

  Nodding his head, Alec opened the door of his truck. “Sounds good,” he said as he climbed into the driver’s seat and started the engine. “See you then.”

  Tess zipped her jacket, put on her helmet, and mounted her bike. On impulse she used her kick start instead of using the electric switch. The engine roared to life. As she put the bike in gear and headed out of the parking lot, she noticed Alec’s blue truck wait until she was on the street before departing.

  Hmm, Tess thought. Making sure I’m safely away. I guess old Scott was right. Alec does have a little bit of white knight in him.

  An unexpected warm feeling passed over her. It wasn’t from her ring. Tess wasn’t sure whether she liked the feeling or not. Shoving the sensation aside, she shifted into a higher gear and revved the engine, speeding off into the n
ight.

  Chapter 6 –Cynthia

  _______________________

  The intercom in the first-class section of the commercial airliner crackled. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are beginning our descent into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Please fasten your seatbelt and make sure your seat is in the upright position.”

  The sleek redheaded woman sitting in the rearmost seat of the first-class section yawned and straightened the wrinkles in her black pantsuit as best she could. She appeared to be in her late twenties. Her long red hair splayed over her shoulders. She wore no visible jewelry and very little makeup. Although her clothing was conservative, it couldn’t hide her full figure or natural beauty. She yawned again. It had been a long flight from Tokyo, and she was tired. Glancing out the window at the morning sun, she pulled her cellphone out of her pocket.

  Nine-fifteen, Tuesday. I’ve got a lot to do before the others get here later this evening.

  Pulling up an encrypted file on her cellphone, she took a final glance at her orders.

  To: Captain Cynthia Jager

  From: Colonel Matt Harrison

  Subject: Operation Locate

  You will proceed immediately to Covington, WA and acquire an operational location for team of 20 by Tuesday evening this week. Acquire vehicles as necessary to support a standard M4 surveillance operation on subjects Mamie and Myiata, sisters, low eighties, last name and address unknown. Teams will be arriving at SeaTac Tuesday evening. Provide support as necessary until I arrive Wednesday. Field agent Mick Donovan will meet you upon your arrival in Seattle and assist as necessary. Arrival of multiple colors later in the week is possible.

  The short message told Cynthia a lot. Hmm. M4 surveillance. That means possible information on the whereabouts of a ring. That’s no big deal. M4s are conducted all the time, even for the sketchiest of leads. There’s only one problem. A standard M4 operation is a team of four. The Council is sending twenty. Harrison also mentions colors coming. They don’t go on missions for sketchy leads.

  Cynthia pulled up the specs for field agent Mick Donovan. What she saw bothered her.

  He’s new. This is only his third mission. Based on the comments in his file by his previous team leaders, he’s competent but prone to unnecessary violence. I’ll have to keep an eye on him. I just hope he’s smart enough to realize this is a surveillance mission and not a search and destroy.

  Looking out the passenger window, Cynthia noted the coastline several thousand feet below. It was obvious landing was still few minutes away. She pulled up the emergency order she’d received yesterday reassigning her from the Council’s Fareast office to Colonel Harrison’s operational team.

  What’s so important they’d transfer me on such short notice? I was in the middle of a mission in Tokyo. Harrison’s message is short on specifics, but it mentions the colors. If some of them are involved, the mission’s big. It’s got to be an M5 or maybe even an M6. That would mean someone a lot higher than Harrison thinks one of the rings may actually be in the area. I’ve never worked with Harrison before. Hopefully he’s up for the task whatever it is. I’m not going to let someone else’s ineptitude screw me over. If I can impress one of the colors, this could be my chance for a promotion.

  Cynthia knew there was a flip side to working with any of the colors. They weren’t known for their leniency if someone messed up. She was left with the grim thought of their lack of understanding for another fifteen minutes until the plane landed. Wasting no time, she made for baggage claim. A large man with short-cropped black hair, late twenties or early thirties, dressed in a business suit waited off to one side. She recognized him from his file picture.

  At her approach, the man nodded. “Captain Jager, I’m—”

  “I know who you are,” Cynthia snapped, her fatigue making the remark more than a little testy. “You’re Mick. And don’t call me Captain in public. In fact, don’t call me Captain at all. This is a discreet operation. Have you arranged transportation to Covington?”

  Mick nodded. “I’ve got a rental. Uh, it’s not what I would’ve preferred, but I had short notice. I didn’t receive my orders assigning me as your driver until three hours ago. No one’s told me anything. Do you know what’s up?”

  Cynthia glanced around the crowded baggage area wondering at the man’s inability to realize this was neither the time nor place. “Just get the car and meet me outside. We’ve got a lot to do before the rest of the team arrives.”

  A few minutes later, Cynthia was sitting in the passenger seat of a bright-green two-door compact. She didn’t try to hide her disdain. “This was the best you could do?”

  Mick shrugged his shoulder seeming to take the question in stride. “Hey, I told you I had short notice.” He jerked his thumb at a long bag in the back seat. “At least the weapons are top-of-the-line.”

  Cynthia looked at the .380 automatic in her lap. She agreed it was a decent weapon but wasn’t going admit it to her new teammate.

  “We’re on a surveillance mission,” Cynthia said. “If we do our jobs right, we won’t need weapons. Our first priority when we get to Covington is to get standard transportation.” She eyed her new driver. “There’s too much for me to do on my own before the others arrive. I’m going to have to rely on you for some things. Do you think you can find us a safe house while I handle the transportation?”

  Mick grinned. “Sure. No problem, Captain.”

  “I told you not to call me Captain. We need to stay discreet.”

  Mick laughed. “Discreet is my middle name.”

  An image of her previous assistant in Tokyo flashed in Cynthia’s mind. She was topnotch until she went and got herself killed. Now I’m stuck with this goon. Whatever’s going on, I’ll just have to make the best of it. I’ve got a hunch about this operation. I’m going to make the most of it, and I’m not going to let anyone get in my way.

  * * *

  At noon on Tuesday, Cynthia walked into Jason Thomas Sales and Service, the largest car dealership in Covington. Once she mentioned the size of her order to one of the salespeople, it didn’t take long for the woman to notify the businesses owner, Jason Thomas. An hour later found Cynthia in Jason’s office writing out a check for a large amount from a prestigious Seattle bank. After signing the check, she handed it to the man.

  Jason Thomas grinned as he accepted the check. “Ms. Jager, it is a pleasure doing business with you.”

  Cynthia nodded and placed the checkbook in her jacket pocket. “My coworkers will be in to pick up the other three SUVs tomorrow. I’d appreciate it if you’d make sure the vehicles are ready when they get here, Mr. Thomas.”

  Making only a cursory glance at the bank note, Mr. Thomas passed it on to his assistant. “Jason. Please call me Jason. And they will be. It’s not every day someone comes in and buys four top-of-the-line SUVs at once. I’m sorry we don’t have the two vans in black also. Are you sure you can’t use the white ones instead?”

  Shaking her head, Cynthia said, “No. You said you could get them in by Thursday. That will be soon enough. My company prefers black, but any dark color will do.”

  “Black’s no problem,” said Jason. “I’ll have them shipped in from Seattle tomorrow. So, did you say you were here on business?”

  Cynthia gave the man the smile she’d perfected over the years to throw off inquisitive salespeople. “I didn’t say…Jason. As it so happens, my company is looking for a place to hold a retreat for our executives. We’ve heard good things about this area. I assume the fishing’s good.”

  A big smile spread across the face of the business owner. “The best in the state. I can recommend some good guides if you need them. My son’s pretty good at it; hunting too, if your boss is interested in that.”

  This time Cynthia gave a genuine smile. “Oh, my superiors are definitely interested in hunting, but I think they’ll bring their own guides. They’ve got some, shall we say, quirks when it comes to hunting.”

  Shrugging his shoulders, Jaso
n leaned back in his leather chair. “Suit yourself. If there’s anything else you need while you’re in town, just let me know. I know just about everyone in Covington. Tell your boss I’ll be more than happy to help.”

  “I’m sure you are,” Cynthia said as she rose to leave.

  The big man got to his feet and held out his hand. “Well, like I said, it’s been a pleasure doing business with you, Ms. Jager. And remember, if you need anything, all you have to do is ask.”

  Grasping the man’s hand, Cynthia said, “Perhaps there is, Jason. One of our vice presidents mentioned having a couple of relatives that used to live in the area a few years ago. I wrote their names down, but I’m afraid I left my notebook at the motel. I seem to remember their first names were Mamie and Myiata. They’d be pretty old by now, I think. By any chance do the names ring a bell? I think he’d like to look them up if they’re still in town.”

  Jason drew his hand out of her grasp and pursed his lips before replying. “Uh, I can certainly ask around. Perhaps if you left me your vice president’s name and number, I could have them call him. If I happen to locate his relatives, I mean.”

  Cynthia smiled her perfected smile again. “Of course. I’ll have to check with my boss first, though. He’s pretty secretive when it comes to giving out names of his executives.” She laughed for the man’s benefit. “I think he’s always worried headhunters are going to try and steal his best people. I’ve got your number. I might give you a call later.”

  “Please do. Will you be staying in town long? Uh, I mean if I have news for your…uh, vice president.”

  Cynthia shrugged. “In my line of business, I never know. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have other duties that require my attention.”

  “Of course. I’ll see you out.”

  Cynthia smiled. “That won’t be necessary. I know the way.”

  Making her way out of the office and through the showroom, Cynthia kept a brisk but dignified pace until she was outside. A black SUV with dealer tags pulled up next to her. At her approach, Mick started to open his door to get out. Cynthia opened hers first and sat in the passenger seat.