Isabella had the weekend off from the hospital and wanted to take in some of the spring festivals around Atlanta. He saw no harm in it. An outing would do her good, with the trees and flowers in bloom around the city; she’d see the city at its best.
They ate a leisurely breakfast before he suggested they go to the Chastain Park Spring Arts & Craft Festival. With nearly two hundred artists and craftsmen, she’d be in heaven looking over their designs. They could lunch at any of the food booths and enjoy the sights on the grounds.
Isabella came out in her brightly colored spring sundress and straw hat. She was picture-perfect, and he couldn’t wait to show her off to the crowd that normally congregated at the event.
They rode with the top down and enjoyed the cool breeze blowing through their car. The company had done a good job of selecting their vehicles. The sports car fit Isabella’s personality and was a fun weekend drive.
He grabbed the blanket from the trunk she insisted they needed in case of an emergency and walked alongside Isabella into the park. He was certain she’d never seen such elaborate designs, for she was in awe as they went from booth to booth. They stopped and ordered food and he spread the blanket on the ground for them to sit and eat.
He felt Sydney’s presence before seeing her pushing a baby stroller with a bodyguard trailing. He wanted to stand up so he could see inside the carriage but at the same time, hoped she didn’t see him. He wondered when she had the baby, and could it be his?
She walked past him, turning her head to look at a hanging piece of art at a nearby booth. He wondered if she was headed to the kid’s area he’d read about online in the festival’s announcement. He’d love to get a peek at the baby to see its size and skin tone. Yet, with his height and frame, there was no way he could hide.
He reached over and lightly stroked Isabella’s face as she lay against him. Living with her had been less complicated than with Sydney, even working as CIA agents. Looking back now, he realized he never had a day off, for she was always in danger. He wondered why she’d have a baby knowing her lifestyle could jeopardize the child’s safety.
Seeing her brought back memories of their happier times, before the agency got a hold on him. If he was a drinking man, he’d be downing several beers and remembering what might have been. He wondered if she believed he murdered Roxanne, but knew with his directives, he’d never get a chance to explain. The only good he could see coming out of this was his absence might slow her down for taking cases that most attorneys would run from. Then he remembered the baby, and hoped that stopped her.
The next week, the CIA would spearhead the arrest of the president of the Beijing Jīn Róng Group, Su Geming. He was head of the technologies company Sydney was representing in a personal injury lawsuit. He wondered if she’d be their attorney when charged. He hoped not, for it could get bloody. He decided to follow the proceedings, even if his and Isabella’s part in their arrest was completed. Seeing Sydney with the baby made him think it could be his, and added to his decision.
Sydney made herself stay and enjoy the festival when she wanted to run away after seeing Walker with the beautiful Isabella. In the past, that could’ve been them relaxing on the festival grounds, sharing food and enjoying the music. She’d pretended to not see them, for she didn’t want him to see David or do any explaining about his paternity. She’d be glad when the personal injury suit ended so she wouldn’t be reminded of him and Isabella daily.
She got her wish. By the end of the week the case was over, and she breathed a sigh of relief. The consultant she’d recommended was the icing on the cake. His credibility sealed the win for them with the jury. He was worth every penny they paid him, and the technologies company didn’t question his exorbitant fees. They knew his testimony was needed to remove any doubt of their negligence on the job. Now she could have peace.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Company Business
Walker was on pins and needles waiting for the government to arrest the president of Beijing Jīn Róng Group, Su Geming. As far as command was concerned, he and Isabella had done their job. But it wasn’t time to ask for their release from the agency—not until Sydney was out of the picture. He needed access to their intel to monitor their moves.
Command said, “Take a few days off before your next assignment. Go somewhere—enjoy life. You’ve earned it.”
He couldn’t until he knew the identity of the attorney representing Su Geming of the Beijing Jīn Róng Group. He’d bet his last dollar it would be Sydney, for danger gravitated toward her and she accepted it with a vengeance.
The Atlanta Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Su Geming, the president of Beijing Jīn Róng Group, and confiscated their corporate computer systems and files. Walker had to wait for the six o’clock news on Atlanta Channel 7 to see if Sydney had stepped into their minefield. He couldn’t call command and ask questions, knowing they’d said no contact with Sydney, or he’d see prison time on a bogus murder charge.
Isabella came home from the hospital and went upstairs to change into something more comfortable. He hoped the news broadcast would come on before she came downstairs for conversation and relaxing time with him.
He didn’t like keeping secrets from her, but their relationship wasn’t a normal one. They were forced together by the agency with its own agenda for their lives. There were times he wished it was different, especially when they were bonded sexually in bed.
He wanted her to have the ability to choose him above all others. Not be stuck in a relationship for the government’s benefit.
The news came on and his attention was on the TV screen. The CIA had coordinated the arrest with local feds and there, beside Su Geming of the Beijing Jīn Róng Group was Sydney, saying, “Everyone deserves their day in court.”
“Good God, doesn’t that woman have even a grain of self-preservation?” he thought.
Now, on top of his duties to the CIA, he felt the need to shadow her dealings with the Chinese. He wanted to kick something, for all she had to do was say no. Shaking his head, he knew his life was going to get more complicated, as always, with Sydney.
Like a breath of fresh air, the sweet, soothing Isabella entered the room and asked about his day. He said, “Mine was fine; I just saw on the news the accomplishment of our mission. How was yours at the hospital?”
“Our mission is over?” she asked.
“Yep, I was told we should relax for a few days.”
“So, we’re still stuck working for your government?”
“We’ll ask once things have calmed down from this big arrest.”
“And, what do you think they’ll say?”
“I don’t see any way out, but I’ll try to convince them to let you go.”
“You’d do that for me?”
“Yes. I want you to have the good life you’ve dreamed about in the US, and I’m not a part of that.”
Isabella flipped her hair and said, “Are you saying that to be free of me?”
“No, not at all. But we both know why we’re together—to accomplish a mission so you’re not deported and me jailed.”
“Well, speak for yourself. I thought our relationship was real.”
“We’ll always have the company looking over our shoulders, if together, and it blurs our relationship.”
“So, you can’t see me for who I really am?”
“No. Yes. Maybe? I don’t know. Would we be in a relationship if not for the company?”
“I’m definitely attracted to you, and have been since Cuba. Maybe our being together was meant to be. Why don’t you relax and enjoy it?”
“My being relaxed won’t happen as long as the CIA has their clutches in you or me.”
“Will you at least try?”
He smiled. “Yes, just for you.”
He moved over and draped his arms around her, lightly kissing he
r pouty lips. “All better now?”
She reached up and stroked his face with her beautiful, tan fingers. “I think I got my answer,” he said.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
A Deadly Blow
Sydney had just walked through the doorway when David came toddling from the kitchen to greet her. She reached down and lifted him for a kiss and his chubby little arms hugged her back.
“How is my big boy today?” she asked.
He squeezed her tighter and said, “I love you, Mommy.”
Daniela, the nanny, standing a few steps behind, said, “He’s eating better and hasn’t run a fever today.”
“Good. Maybe it was just a light bug he caught when playing with other kids at the park. But I’ll make a doctor’s appointment just to be on the safe side.”
“I can take him, if you’d like,” said Daniela.
“No, I want to talk to the doctor and get a full physical for him. It’s been a while, and he’s due one.”
“OK, let me know when and I’ll have him ready.”
“Thank you. Why don’t you take a break while David and I play his favorite game?”
“Sure, he’ll love the attention. Enjoy your boy.”
After playing hide-and-seek and giving him a bath, she put on his jammies, then rocked him and sang nursery rhymes remembered from her childhood. He went to sleep with a little smile on his face. Looking at him closely, she saw the uncanny resemblance to Walker, and was glad he didn’t see his son at the festival.
When she took David in for his physical, she wanted the doctor to run genetic testing for diseases inherent in Walker’s ethnicity. She didn’t want any surprises, and many genetic diseases were treatable and curable now. She laid him in his crib, noting it was time for him to have a “big boy” bed. He was growing tall for his age compared to other children.
She felt tired, and wondered how Daniela kept up with him all day. He wore her out in the evenings during their playtime. She took a leisurely bath, enjoying the quiet time, and almost fell asleep before remembering where she was. She dressed for bed and was glad she and Walker never made love in her bedroom—always his—close to the kitchen, where Daniela now lived. When her head hit the pillow, she fell asleep thinking of her son in the adjoining room.
After saying goodbye to David, the next morning, she headed into her office. McNally, her CEO, was already there and waiting to meet, which was out of the ordinary.
She went straight to the point about the meeting. She was concerned about the public relations backlash with their new client, Beijing Jīn Róng Group, the Chinese technologies company charged with cyberterrorism, stealing proprietary secrets from American companies. The case would be time-consuming and expensive, and most likely the Chinese company’s assets had been frozen by the government.
“Do you really want to represent a terrorist?” she asked.
“No, but everyone is due the legal process of innocence until proven guilty.”
Sydney looked pensive and added, “I’ll meet your demands halfway. Ask the accounting department to verify their funds and have seventy-five percent of the expected fee paid upfront.”
“Sydney, I wish you’d just say you have a conflicting case on your schedule and don’t have the manpower to invest into their case.”
“You’ve given me some options; I’ll let you know my decision. In the meantime, have their financials looked into.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you have a personal stake in the outcome of this case. What’s going on with you?”
“Personal stake—no! I just love the law and want to see a fair trial.”
McNally shrugged her shoulders and shook her head, not caring that Sydney was watching as she walked out the door.
Sydney thought, McNally’s right. The firm shouldn’t take the case. We have plenty of clients who wouldn’t put us in a negative light.
Her gut instinct said Walker was somehow involved, and being a CIA bust, she’d bet on it. They’d tried to entice him to work with them ever since she’d met him. She wanted to know what he was doing in Atlanta with Isabella, and why he’d not contacted her. There was something off-keel, and she wanted to find out what. She’d like to know the full story, for one day, she might have to explain his absence to their son.
They’d just walked into their Atlanta residence when Walker said, “Our vacation is over, darn it.” Isabella looked at him with a knowing look that made him wilt. Their weekend cruise in the Bahamas was refreshing. They explored the island and sampled the local delicacies. He wished they could go on with their life miles away from the CIA’s prying eyes. He never doubted he could get security work outside the government and live anywhere she could practice medicine. Free at last to live their lives was his ambition.
Then Sydney Jones bombarded his thoughts. He’d never be free if he felt responsible for her. He never doubted his love for her, but they were opposites. He tried to deescalate a situation, get in and get out, and she’d run into a burning building. Exactly, what she was doing with the Chinese technology company.
He still hadn’t told Isabella about their past, thinking it didn’t matter to their relationship or work assignments.
They’d barely unpacked when command called with a new assignment for him in Beijing. He was to infiltrate the Chinese mafia and verify ties to the Beijing Jīn Róng Group. Isabella was to sit this one out in Atlanta and continue her work at the hospital.
He called Uber to schedule a pickup for his morning flight to China. The rest of the night was spent making love to Isabella, with no thoughts about the sixteen-hour flight ahead of him.
The next morning, he didn’t awaken Isabella to see him off. He gave her a light kiss and left the house when Uber arrived to take him to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
After the long flight he was starving, and headed to one of the street vendors on Guijie, Ghost Street, for some hot and spicy crawfish. He hoped his old acquaintance would be working so they could catch up and maybe learn something useful relating to his new assignment.
He and the food vendor had gotten past the acquaintance stage when he’d helped him with a little problem on one of his stays in the district. The booth was crowded, being one of the first and most popular in the area. He nodded to his friend, knowing there’d be a better time to talk. He breathed in the ambiance of Beijing, remembering the bittersweet memories as he tasted the morsels seasoned to perfection.
He had cataloged the people he could trust and those to avoid in a soothing, nonchalant way. His personal life was his and off limits, a fact those who knew him understood. His no-nonsense attitude helped him infiltrate his Chinese target quickly and plant the surveillance device as instructed by the CIA. He wasted no time in accomplishing his mission, for he wanted to return to Atlanta and Isabella.
When the jet hit the runway landing, he was ready to go home. Isabella hadn’t responded to his phone calls or texts since his leaving for Beijing.
He took Uber to their home in the exclusive metro Atlanta community. Using his key to unlock the door, he called out to her and there was no answer, unlike when she was home after work from the hospital.
He called and texted her cell with no answers until he had little choice but to call the hospital administrator, where he was told she had not reported for duty in a week, exactly how long he’d been gone.
Walker was getting the picture fast; the CIA sent him to Beijing without Isabella so they could do a hit on her. Supposedly, to make him want to help them more. Little did they know about the affairs of the heart and their believed hold over him. “Fuck them.”
Walker called command and said, “Isabella is missing, and no one has seen her at the hospital. Is the agency aware of her disappearance?”
“This is news to us, but I’ll see what I can find out. Do you think your cover was blown in Beijing
and they’ve hit you personally?”
“No, it was a clean in-and-out job, leaving no trail. That’s not what happened. I need some time to find her before my next mission.”
“OK, but don’t take too long. We have new intel regarding the Chinese in Atlanta, and we need your help. We’ll put an alert out for Isabella and other agencies will follow suit. She’ll be found.”
Walker hung up the phone in disbelief, yet distinctly knowing it was real and he was lied to. He was ready to take the next step, knowing there’d be no turning back once he crossed this threshold. But he would find Isabella and if harmed, make her killer beg for death.
He packed his belongings, along with the identification he’d stored for when he and Isabella could safely flee from the CIA and have a life of their own.
He waited for sunrise to board the plane to take him to Australia under his new disguise. The inflight news story was about a woman identified as Dr. Isabella Walker found bloated and floating near a marina at Lake Lanier on the outskirts of Atlanta. Assholes, were his thoughts. Why didn’t they just ask him? He’d have done anything for her survival and freedom.
He ducked his head and left the plane, hoping his friend was waiting for him. He would deal with Isabella’s remains once he completed the tasks in mind. She deserved better.
Sydney was watching the local news when a report of a Lake Lanier drowning was announced. The body of Dr. Isabella Walker was found floating near a marina. The police were investigating, and details would be released later.
She thought most likely Walker had crossed the CIA and they’d retaliated by murdering Isabella. If they thought murdering her would keep him in line, they’d be mistaken. They’d just unleashed a beast, for he’d not stop till everyone involved was dead.
Chance Page 8