by Lauren Carr
“Which hurts our feelings,” Ismail said in a mocking tone.
“And we can’t have that,” Bauman said.
Muiz said, “It will be very hard to convince them not to hurt your feelings when you kidnap a celebrated marine in America and bring him here to execute him.”
Above them, they heard the roar of the jet plane coming in for a landing. Cheering, the young recruits outside rushed toward the field and waved their weapons.
“Our special guest is here.” Ismail Kochar scurried out of the building. Upon his appearance, the crowd of hundreds of terrorists parted to allow him, Bauman, and Muiz to make their way onto the airfield.
The jet plane rested on the tarmac. The stairs popped open and slowly lowered to the ground.
They waited for Neal Black to make his appearance with their prisoner of war.
Silence fell over the men.
“Where is he?” Ismail asked.
No one had an answer.
Cautiously, Ismail, Bauman, and Muiz, followed by several other guards, made their way to the jet. Ismail pushed two of his guards up the stairs. After a couple of minutes, one of them came to the doorway to report that no one was on the jet.
“Someone has to be on it,” Bauman yelled. “Someone had to fly it.” He charged up the stairs and into the travel compartment. As the guards had reported, no one was on the jet. He rushed up to the cockpit to find it empty.
When he came out, he found Muiz staring wide-eyed at him. Wordlessly, he pointed at the two seats at the back of the jet. A white box rested across the seats.
A note was written across the top of the box. It said, “From the citizens of the United States.”
“What the—” Nathanial Bauman shoved Muhammad Muiz out of the way and threw open the lid of the box to reveal the heads of Neal Black and Leland Elder. There was an envelope taped to the underside of the lid of the box.
Bauman ripped it off and opened the letter.
“What does it say?” Muiz wiped the sweat off the back of his neck.
“It says,” Bauman reported, “This letter is to inform you that your sleeper agents got the ax.” He chuckled. “What type of sick …”
His laughter was interrupted by a loud beeping sound within the plane.
Muhammad Muiz grabbed Bauman’s arm and pointed at the two heads. All four of their dead eyes glowed red.
A feminine voice came from inside the box. “Prepare to be exterminated in t-minus thirty seconds.”
“No!” Wailing, Muhammad Muiz ran from the jet plane. In his haste, he tripped and fell head over heels down the stairs before landing in a heap at the bottom. Screaming, he clutched his shattered leg.
Thinking it was an attack from inside the jet, the army of terrorists stormed the tarmac.
“You can’t do this!” Bauman raged at the box. “I’m an American citizen.”
“We apologize if this hurts your feelings.”
Dropping to his knees, Bauman tearfully pleaded for the bomb to change its mind. “No, no, no, no, no,” he said repeatedly.
“Allah!” Ismail grabbed the gun from his holster and shot at the box.
The massive bomb that encompassed the luggage compartment of the jet exploded on the tarmac. The explosion was magnified by the jet plane fuel that filled the tanks, which had been topped off during a fueling stop in Israel.
The world news reported that the bomb, built with parts that traced back to NOH Bauman Technologies, which had been sold to a drug cartel in South America, took out the whole camp and the terrorists who had journeyed from several countries away to take part in a defining moment in the terrorist’s war.
Spencer Inn
Dipping low in the sky behind the mountains in the distance, the sun was out of sync with Murphy’s body clock. According to his internal clock, the sun should be rising instead of setting.
The sun had just started to rise to greet the new year when Murphy and Jessica had slipped away from the wedding reception to go up to her penthouse suite.
Correction: Their suite.
He was still getting used to “hers” and “his” being “theirs.”
Spencer’s whine at the bedroom door awoke Murphy to realize that the pup had not been outside for close to twelve hours. After kissing his new bride on the cheek, Murphy threw on his clothes and hurried Spencer down the penthouse elevator, through the lobby, and outside to the scenic hiking path to take in the breathtaking view of Deep Creek Lake down below.
All was quiet. Murphy could almost hear the snow icing up while the temperature dipped with the night’s approach. The scenic overlook was vacant as if everyone else in Spencer, like Murphy and Jessica, decided to spend the day recharging their batteries from the days leading up to the new year.
The black stretch limousine took up several diagonal parking spaces of the turn off at the overlook.
Murphy and Spencer slowed down their jog to a walk. The rear window of the limousine slowly lowered a few inches. A slender hand encased in a black leather glove slipped out of the opening. Murphy extracted the red thumb drive and blue and gold pen from his inside breast pocket and deposited them into the outstretched palm.
“You’re late, Lieutenant.”
Through the open window, he could only see that she was wearing a black fur trimmed hat on her head and black sunglasses.
“I got married last night,” he replied.
“Congratulations.” He could make out the tug of a smile at the corner of her plump red lips. “I guess you haven’t seen the news then,” she said. “There was a huge explosion in Baghdad. Last report I heard, well over a hundred terrorists were killed in the explosion.”
“Any Americans?” Murphy asked.
“Officially or unofficially?”
Murphy did not answer her question.
“Nate Bauman was on the plane,” she said. “He’s dead. His official cause of death will be an accidental plane crash … in France.”
“Why not the truth?”
“Because the board members at Bauman would have to explain to stockholders what their CEO was doing visiting with Ismail Kochar, a known terrorist leader, during what was planned to be a public execution of a United States Marine.” She tilted her head. “They may be able to pull the wool over the eyes of their stockholders, but the Joint Chiefs of Staff know the truth. If your bride has any stock in Bauman, tell her to sell immediately. By the time we’re through, there’ll be street people living under bridges worth more than a share of Bauman stock.”
“And Muiz?” Murphy asked.
“The White House press secretary is preparing a statement. Their story will be that Muhammad Muiz, special counsel to the president in Islamic affairs, was the victim of a kidnapping by extremist terrorists and died in an explosion during a botched military rescue operation.”
“That’s a lie!” Murphy replied. “Did you show the president the evidence?”
She nodded her head. “He also heard our recordings of a conversation between Muiz, Bauman, and Kochar that pretty much outlined their conspiracy.”
“Then why is the president telling the country that the military botched up rescuing his adviser, who was really a traitor, instead of admitting—”
“Because he would have to admit that he appointed a traitor to be his adviser,” she said, “which would be an admission of his own poor judgment.”
“And if he had an ounce of integrity he’d step up to the bat and take it like a man,” Murphy said. “Major O’Callaghan is going to have to spend the rest of his life looking over his shoulder because he’s on a terrorist hit list! He’s a celebrated United States Marine and a presidential appointee sold him out! But all they care about is covering their butts—even if it makes this traitor look like a martyr.”
Calmly, she shook her head. “That’s why we have Phantoms.”
Murphy gritted his teeth.
“Somewhere along the line,” she explained, “our country’s leaders have gotten their priorities screwed up royally. The security of our country and its people has dropped down the list below getting votes wherever you can get them and covering your butt after screwing up.”
“And telling the truth about what really happened wouldn’t meet that priority,” Murphy said.
“Politicians with agendas are bureaucratic farmers,” she said. “They’re experts at spreading manure.” A smile crossed her lips. “But we did win this battle in the war, Murphy—thanks to you.”
“I didn’t do it alone,” Murphy said.
“No one ever does. Men with integrity realize that.” The window rose up. “Try to get some rest on your honeymoon, Lieutenant. Enjoy Australia. It’s lovely this time of year.”
“How did you know we were going to Australia?”
The limousine was already pulling away.
Murphy and Spencer arrived back up in the penthouse to find Jessica, clad only in the Spencer Inn signature bathrobe, signing for room service.
“It’s about time you got out of bed,” he said after holding her tightly in his arms and giving her such a deep kiss that he feared they would end up sweeping the trays of food to the floor.
“I got lonely.” Stealing a strawberry dipped in dark chocolate from a plate, she grinned. “And hungry.” She took a bite from the fruit. “I ordered our first dinner as husband and wife.” She swung out her arm to show him.
He saw two bottles in an ice bucket. One was a bottle of champagne, the other a bottle of cranberry juice. There were also two champagne flutes. She went on to list the menu as two salmon dinners with whole grain rice, a huge salad with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, and a dessert of strawberries dipped in dark chocolate.
“Is the salmon wild caught or farm raised?” Murphy bent over to study the fish on their plates.
Jessica’s violet eyes were wide with confusion. “Is there a difference?”
“Farm raised is injected with artificial colors and toxins,” Murphy said. “Studies show a connection between eating farm-raised fish and a higher risk of cancer.”
“Are you telling me that, less than twenty-four hours after marrying you, I tried to kill you?”
As if to make an attempt to save him, Spencer leapt up into a chair and snatched the salmon from the plate directly in front of Murphy.
“Spencer!” Jessica rushed to chase the pup making a beeline behind the sofa.
Grabbing her arm, Murphy pulled her back. “Let her go.”
“But you just said it was toxic,” she argued.
“I don’t think one piece is going to kill her.” Murphy flashed his dimples at her in a broad grin before wrapping his arms around her waist to hold her tight. “We have a lot to learn about each other and adjustments to make, but as long as we see this journey as one big adventure, then we have nothing to lose.”
“I love adventures!” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
“I figured that already,” he said with a laugh.
Her eyes met his. “I’m truly committed to making this work.”
“Oh I know that, buttercup,” he said. “Hey, we got engaged and married in less than forty-eight hours. If anyone deserves to be committed, it’s us.” He covered her mouth with his. When he let her up for air, he whispered into her ear, “I love you, Mrs. Thornton.”
She buried her face in his neck. “I love you, too, Lieutenant Thornton.”
With her masters otherwise occupied, Spencer, aka Candi, gave her all to protect them by scurrying back to the table to steal the last piece of toxic salmon.
The End
About the Author
Lauren Carr
Lauren Carr is the best-selling author of the Mac Faraday Mysteries, which takes place in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. Three Days to Forever is the ninth installment in the Mac Faraday Mystery series.
In addition to her series set on Deep Creek Lake, Lauren Carr has also written the Lovers in Crime Mysteries, which features prosecutor Joshua Thornton with homicide detective Cameron Gates, who were introduced in Shades of Murder, the third book in the Mac Faraday Mysteries. They also make an appearance in The Lady Who Cried Murder.
Three Days to Forever introduces Lauren Carr’s latest series detectives, Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday in the Thorny Rose Mysteries. Look for the first installment in this series in Spring 2015.
The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, editor, cover and layout designer, and marketing agent for independent authors. This year, several books, over a variety of genres, written by independent authors, will be released through the management of Acorn Book Services, which is currently accepting submissions. Visit Acorn Book Services’ website for more information.
Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She also passes on what she has learned in her years of writing and publishing by conducting workshops and teaching in community education classes.
She lives with her husband, son, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.
Visit Lauren Carr’s website at www.mysterylady.net to learn more about Lauren and her upcoming mysteries.
Check Out Lauren Carr’s Mysteries!
Order! Order!
All of Lauren Carr’s books are stand alone. However for those readers wanting to start at the beginning, here is the list of Lauren Carr’s mysteries. The number next to the book title is the actual order in which the book was released.
Joshua Thornton Mysteries
Fans of the Lovers in Crime Mysteries may wish to read these two books which feature Joshua Thornton years before meeting Detective Cameron Gates. Also in these mysteries, readers will meet Joshua Thornton’s five children before they have flown the nest.
1) A Small Case of Murder
2) A Reunion to Die For
Mac Faraday Mysteries
3) It’s Murder, My Son
4) Old Loves Die Hard
5) Shades of Murder (introduces the Lovers in Crime: Joshua Thornton & Cameron Gates)
7) Blast from the Past
8) The Murders at Astaire Castle
9) The Lady Who Cried Murder (The Lovers in Crime make a guest appearance in this Mac Faraday Mystery)
10) Twelve to Murder
12) A Wedding and a Killing
13) Three Days to Forever
15) Open Season for Murder (May 2015)
Lovers in Crime Mysteries
6) Dead on Ice
11) Real Murder
Thorny Rose Mystery
14) Kill and Run (April 2015) (featuring the Lovers in Crime in Lauren Carr’s latest series)
Kill and Run
A Thorny Rose Mystery
(featuring the Lovers in Crime)
Chester is in the throes of preparing for what promises to be the social event of the year—the wedding of Joshua Thornton’s little girl to Hunter Gardner.
While the Thornton family is busting with excitement about the big day, Cameron is struggling with pain-filled memories of another wedding day so long ago—followed much too soon by an even larger funeral.
All hope to push her grief far into the past is dashed when the FBI arrives with news about her late husband. A recently arrested hit man has confessed to killing her husband as a contract hit.
The identity of who had arranged the hit, and why, is unknown—but whoever it was had to have deep pockets to hire this assassin.
Determined to learn the truth about her late husband’s death, Cameron sets out for Washington, DC.
Worried for his wife’s well-being, Joshua, who is stuck at home due to wedding and professional obligations, reaches out to his newly married son Murphy T
hornton (who is up to his ears in his first official murder case) and his bride Jessica Faraday to keep Cameron safe, catch a killer, and get her home in time for Tracy and Hunter’s wedding.
Coming April 2015!
(former working title ‘Til Murder Do We Part)