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  Others joined in and laughed. “All of us know Lassiter, kills first and then tries to ask questions.”

  “Any other day, I would have a comeback for you. But this day and this man are too important. Oh, by the way, your mother sends her love.” The group of men and women laughed. Joshua put a picture on the monitor. “This is the last picture we have of the assassin. It was taken less than six hours ago in this hotel. We believe the attempt will be made at noon, but that is only a theory. Everyone remain vigilant at all times. The candidate and his wife will be surrounded by no less than twenty agents, one step away, at all times.”

  “That’s a little tight,” JD stated.

  “Yes sir. It is. If anyone is going to take a bullet today, it will be one of us, not you.” Joshua turned back to the group. “It’s four o’clock. We will assemble back here at seven. Before we go, I need twenty agents to volunteer for the one-step protection detail.”

  Every hand in the room went up. The scene humbled JD. Brian turned to Calhoun. “Your call, director.”

  JD, James, Brian and Joshua remained after everyone left. “JD, I’m going to ask again. Cancel this event.” Brian stated.

  “This is our best chance to catch this guy and to determine who is behind the threat,” Joshua objected. “JD, man I realize you really don’t know me. Presidents and Directors put up with my bull for a reason. I’m damn good at my job. They put the trust of this country in my hands. I don’t take that lightly. We need to follow this plan.”

  “Have you ever had to stand in front of Tracy and explain why something happened?” Brian argued. “It ain’t easy. We are going to have hell to pay if anything goes wrong. And you are going to be the one that has to explain things to her.” The other men in the room agreed.

  “She’s just a woman.” Joshua declared. “I can’t believe all of you are scared of one woman.” He walked out of the room.

  “Spoken just like a man that hasn’t been bit,” James laughed.

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  Al received the call at six the next morning. He called Donnell, Tucker and Magna in for the seven o’clock conference call. For extra support, the Williams brothers joined the team for the day. Donnell knew how neither Brian nor Al liked outsiders on the compound. A few more familiar the faces, was helpful. The video conference displayed Brian, Samuel and Ryan seated at the table.

  “You seem to have a few extra people there Al,” Brian stated.

  “They showed up at the front gate with Williams. They might be helpful,” Al joked.

  “Might?” Jarrell laughed. “We’re the three Musketeers plus one.”

  “Yeah,” Scott added. “We’re here to save the day.”

  “What in the hell are you dopes doing there?” Ryan asked. “Not you, Devin.”

  “Protecting your man,” Jarrell replied.

  Al sighed, “Babe, you really should have warned me about your family.”

  “How do they even know about you?”

  “Well Al came…..”

  Devin hit Jarrell before he could finish the statement. “It’s not important. We’re here to help in any way we can.”

  “We appreciate that.” Brian stated. “I wish I could say this is another unconfirmed threat, but I would be lying. This is a verified threat against the Governor. While we believe we have the assassin in reach, I don’t want to miss anything. We have to step up security at the compound. Al, a few agents will be there within the hour. Use them as you see fit. I prefer one of our people in the house with the children. Now that you have the Williams version of Frick and Frack they can handle keeping the children occupied and protect them at the same time.”

  “I think we were just insulted,” Scott said to Jarrell.

  “Focus here people—Focus. We are working on different time zones. We are going to try to catch a few hours of sleep, then the game is on. Be vigilant people. Al, hold down the fort.”

  “We have it covered on this end. Bring everyone home safe.”

  “Will do—out.”

  Al disconnected the call, then pulled out his cell. Pushing one button, the call went through. “I like you in one piece. Be careful.”

  “Awe Day, I’m beginning to think you care.”

  “I do. I’ll show you how much when you get home.”

  He disconnected the call and turned to see all the William brothers and Magna grinning at him. “Tucker, you and Devin take the command post. Donnell, take care of the agents coming in. Magna and I will show Frick and Frack around.”

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  Ned checked for Monique’s report. It hadn’t come in. checking the log, his last contact with her was around three in the morning. It wasn’t the twenty-four hours required by the agency before sounding an alarm, but it was well past Absolute’s requirement. The problem was, Absolute had gone silent and Ned did not anticipate open communication until the situation with Harrison was finished. Normally he wouldn’t invade an agent’s privacy, but he needed to confirm her safety. He tapped into her security system and checked every room in her condo. There were no signs of her. The camera system to her building revealed her car was still in its parking space, but that wasn’t enough. Most days she took the Metro into the office. Frustrated, Ned decided to go back to the last contact on the security cameras. Starting with the camera in her condo, he watched as she talked on the telephone, dressed, gathered her keys and walked out the door. He then switched to the security camera of the building. He watched as she entered the elevator. The elevator began its decent. It stopped on the fifth floor. A hand appeared spraying a substance, causing Monique to fall to the floor. A masked figure stepped inside with a huge army bag. He hit the button and the elevator continued down. Lifting her unconscious body, the man placed Monique in the bag, zipped it, threw the bag over his shoulder then walked off the elevator at the garage level. He placed the bag in the back of a Black SUV then drove off.

  To Ned that was enough to sound the alarm. He placed the call to the Director. The Director’s order was very clear. The Harrison operation took precedence. Absolute was not to be contacted until he opened communication. Ned looked at the clock. Absolute had until he followed the SUV and to get Monique’s location. If communication had not been reestablished by then, he would open the gate himself.

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  The modern building seemed like it could touch the sky. It was difficult to determine which vehicle the candidate was in because the motorcade was extensive. The position of the vehicles was changed to ensure no one other than those in security knew which vehicle carried the candidate. The first vehicle carried six agents, who swept through the doors quickly and on alert. The Chief of Police, who had been advised of the situation only an hour before they arrived, met them at the door. Two more vehicles filled with agents arrived and filtered throughout the building. But before any of them arrived, Joshua was there. He had walked the building room by room, closet by closet. He knew the building inside out. Now, he had to think like the assassin, which was easy, for he was one of the best in the world in taking people out.

  Whenever Joshua was on a job, his concentration was on that job, nothing else. The woman walking by in the six inch stilettos with legs longer than the building only piqued his curiosity as to why she was in an area of the building that had been sealed off. From his position in the tiled ceiling he followed the legs and watched as she passed a key card off to an officer. Now why would a member of the LAPD need to have an access card to the building? He touched the earpiece. “There’s a long legged red head, black dress walking in your direction. Take her down.”

  From his location, Joshua could see every corner of the room below that was filled with men in blue. As he watched Secret Service enter the room, he knew JD wasn’t far behind. The excitement in the room could be felt even from his vantage point. The Mayor stepped up to the podium and began his speech. Joshua pulled out a hand held computer, adjusted a few buttons then sat back and waited. As the body heat from the assassin came
closer, the light on his monitor intensified. When the body was only a few feet away, Joshua turned the device off. He stood in the corner of the room, blending into the woodwork, virtually undetected.

  The click of the door opening put Joshua on alert. His job was to take this man down without a shot being fired. But he couldn’t do that until the attempt was made. Only a few seconds divided a good take down from a botched one. No longer in a position to see what was taking place in the room; Joshua had to go on instinct. When he heard the crowd erupt in applause he knew JD had entered the room. Time was up. When he heard the clip snap into place, he had to take the man down. As soon as he stepped out, the man turned with the weapon pointed at him, but by that time Joshua had dropped to the floor, kicking his legs from under him. The weapon fell to the floor, but the man moved quickly and was back on his feet.

  Joshua shook his head. “I’m trying not to kill you.”

  The man did not reply, he simply pulled another weapon. Joshua grabbed the weapon and dismantled it with one hand. “Come on, man. Can I just handcuff you and take you out?”

  The man grabbed Joshua by the lapel of his suit. “Not the suit, man.” Joshua took the ball of his hands and slapped the man’s ears, then gave him a head butt, and swung him down by twisting his neck. Joshua placed his foot on the man’s throat and pulled his gun. “Stay still.” The man attempted to kick Joshua’s legs from under him. Frustrated, Joshua pulled out a needle, pulled the cap off with his teeth, then slammed it into the man’s neck. Then he sat on him. “We were doing alright until you touched the suit.” Joshua contacted Brian and gave his location. He then pulled out his computer, pressed the man’s fingers on the face of the device. He hit the send button, forwarding the fingerprints to Ned.

  Samuel was the first to reach him. The look on his face was one of disbelief. “Did you kill him?”

  “He’s not dead—yet.”

  Samuel reached out to help his brother up as Secret Service Agents filed into the room. “How long is he going to be out?”

  Joshua just looked at his brother. “Maybe an hour.” He looked at the syringe. “Maybe five.” It was then that his earpiece beeped. He pushed the button to activate the device. “Silent mode Ned. That means no communication from the outside. “

  “Spicy was taken from her condo. I’m sending footage to you.”

  Chapter 18

  JD and Tracy were taken directly to the airport where they boarded the plane. In the secure room used as the office, JD, Brian, Director Calhoun, Samuel and James listened as Joshua gave his report. “The assassin was hired by Miguel Santiago.”

  “Santiago is the right hand man to Alejandra Mateo, the head of the Mexican Cartel.” Director Calhoun questioned. “What’s his connection to the Governor?”

  “There is no connection,” James stated.

  “Then why the attempt on his life? The cartel doesn’t just target people without a reason,” the Director questioned.

  “The Cartel didn’t order or request the hit. The McClintocks ordered the hit through the Cartel. Mateo turned them down. Santiago disagreed with the decision and took the contract himself.”

  “The McClintocks?” The Director laughed. “You’re telling me that a Governor and a United States Senator are involved in this plot?”

  “Ex-Governor McClintock is the master mind. The Senator probably agreed. But I’m certain Jerry is not involved and probably not aware of his family’s actions.” Brian stated.

  The Director stood and began to pace the room. “What proof do you have that the McClintocks are involved? From what you’ve said, the Cartel is the guilty party in this plot.”

  “An agent intercepted the message sent from the assassin to a telephone in Senator McClintock’s possession. The coded message gave us the location and time of the hit. That’s the connection to the Senator.” Joshua angrily replied. “Now that agent is missing. If the Senator is involved, you won’t have to worry about proof.”

  JD had remained quiet as the discussion surrounded him. The facts were disturbing. If the Senator was involved, it would be a devastating blow to the country. “I prefer the details of this event remain between the people in this room.” He turned to Joshua. “Do we have any leads on the agent’s whereabouts?”

  Joshua nodded, “I have someone surveying the area we believe she is being held.”

  “Is she in Texas?”

  “Yes.”

  “Has her father been informed?”

  “No sir. We thought you would handle that call.”

  JD glared at Joshua. “Does he know her role in all of this?” When he received no answer, JD stood. “How long have they had her?”

  “Since our call last night.”

  “How many agents are on the case?” JD asked.

  Joshua looked to Samuel and Brian, then turned back to JD. “None,” he said.

  “Unbelievable.” JD exclaimed. “Get the damn CIA director on the phone now! We don’t leave our people behind. Joshua, I want you in Texas within the hour. I don’t give a damn how you get there, just do it.”

  “Hold on JD,” James stood. “You can’t demand the Director of the CIA take action on any case. You have to handle this through the proper channels.”

  “Calvin, what legal remedies do we have?”

  “We can always contact the Governor of Texas to request his assistance.”

  Everyone in the room held their breath. “Actually that’s not a bad idea,” Joshua stated. “This would be a good way for the Governor to show he is not involved in this.”

  “Is there a way she can be quietly extracted?”

  “Without involving the local government—sure,” Joshua replied. “But you will have to make that call to her father.”

  JD shook his head, “We have several issues here. The stability of the government, our international relationship with Mexico, and the impact on the election all hinge on the decisions we make. To add to all of that, you want me to tell this man his daughter has been kidnapped without revealing why.”

  “That about covers it,” Joshua replied.

  “Get him and the Governor of Texas on the phone.” JD exclaimed as he turned to Joshua, “You bring her back by any means necessary.”

  After the room emptied out, only JD, James, Calvin, Samuel, and Brian remained. “Do you think it’s wise to unleash Al and Joshua on Texas?” Calvin asked.

  “When Mac is involved, you need a Calvary behind you.” Samuel stated. “I’m a little concerned for my brother.”

  “I’m concerned for whoever has Monique.” JD announced.

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  This was definitely not her bed, Monique thought as she turned over. The breath she took solidified her thoughts, for the place smelled stale and musky. Memories of the man spraying something in her face came to surface. She sat up quickly assessing where she was. “You ain’t in DC anymore Monique.” It seemed like a cabin, she thought as she surveyed the room. She sat on a queen size bed, with posts. A dresser was covered with dust, indicating it hadn’t been used recently. The window had frilly pink curtains that were tied back with a bow. “How cute.”

  Standing, she stretched to relieve her sore muscles. “Alright, how do I get out of here?” She walked over to the door and to her surprise it opened.

  “Well, hello there little lady.”

  Monique raised an eyebrow to the heavyset man sitting at a table in an open room. “And you are?”

  The man smiled, “I’m Willie Ray. The only cowboy standing between life or death for you.”

  “If that’s the case it’s good to meet you Willie Ray. You have a bathroom around here?”

  “One right over yonder,” he pointed behind her.

  That’s when she noticed the other man. Where Willie Ray looked one hundred percent cowboy, the other man was definitely a city slicker. Willie Ray had him in bulk, but he had Willie Ray in attitude. “And you are?”

  “Your executioner.”

  “Well, it’s not
nice to meet you.” She turned back to Willie Ray, “Is he going to let me go to the bathroom?” She watched as Willie Ray stood, and stood and stood some more. “Damn Willie Ray, how tall are you?”

  Dressed in jeans, a plaid shirt and work boots, he smiled, “Six-eleven, ma’am.” He walked over and just stood in front of the other man. The man stood. “I’ll let the man know she’s awake.” He looked at her, “Walk outside that door and I will shoot you.”

  “Isn’t he a sweetheart?” Monique walked into the bathroom that was rather luxurious for a log cabin. She took care of her needs then washed her hands as she surveyed that room. Walking back out, she found Willie Ray at the stove. “Where am I, Willie Ray?”

  “A long way from home and in deep manure.”

  Monique smiled, “I kind of thought that.” She sat at the table where he placed a tall glass of tea, with a plate of barbecue, baked beans and corn on the cob in front of her. “This smells good Willie Ray. Can I eat this without being knocked unconscious again?”

  “We take pride in our barbecue.” He took a seat and began eating from his plate and smiled up at her. She followed his lead. “So, how did you get yourself in this pickle?”

  “I’m not sure,” she replied as she tried the baked beans. “Mmm, this is good.” She continued eating. “How long have I been here?”

  “A day or so.”