Operation: Departed Angel (Shepherd Security Book 5)

by Margaret Kay

  Sloan laughed. “Just be sure you keep your hands to yourself. Don’t try to cop a feel of me, young lady.”

  Kennedy couldn’t help but laugh too. Yes, she had missed Gary and his sense of humor. She relaxed into the pillow. She felt the bed shift and the covers pull. She looked over her shoulder to find Gary reclined in the middle of the bed on top of the covers. He pulled the bedspread from the other side of the bed over himself. She settled back into her pillow, impressed that he was ensuring her comfort by not being beneath the covers. She closed her eyes, and it didn’t take her long to drift off to sleep.

  Hotel

  “Okay, I checked at the front desk. A tour group leaves at zero-nine hundred,” Mother said. “We’ll plan on heading to the lobby at ten till and we’ll blend in.”

  Kennedy almost laughed out loud. None of these guys would blend in anywhere except a cop or military convention.

  “I don’t like it,” Sloan said.

  Mother's lips tipped into a grin. “I’m crushed. You don’t trust me with her.”

  “I don’t trust her. With just one of us, she may try to bolt. I’d prefer two or more of us cover her.”

  “I can hear you, you know,” Kennedy called from where she sat on the bed. “And I’m not going to try to get away from you.”

  Sloan’s lips pulled into a grin. Sure, she would. He knew she still didn’t trust them. Her complaining about the sleeping arrangements last night proved that. He hoped Shepherd approved her transfer to the Silo. That would solve a lot of their problems.

  “It’s safer for her if she leaves with just me. We’ll go as the tour group leaves, right out through the front door and grab a cab.”

  “I’ll be covering the lot,” Lambchop said. “I’ll know if anyone follows and I’ll follow at a safe distance.”

  “Everyone stay on comms until the plane is airborne,” Lambchop added. Then his eyes went to Sloan and the Birdman. “Watch your six. Ops will be monitoring comms. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.” He glanced back at Mother. “Give me five minutes to get the car and recon the parking lot.”

  Mother nodded. After he left, Mother handed Kennedy his ball cap. “Hide all your hair in it and wear your t-shirt baggy.” Then he handed her a pair of sunglasses. “Wear these too.”

  Kennedy twirled her hair and wound it into a long coil. She secured the hat over it, making sure it was all tucked up inside. Then she tucked the t-shirt in and bloused it, so it was baggy. She slipped her sandals back on. She smirked as she viewed them. They were flats, adorned with sparkly fake jewels. “Not quite what I’d normally wear together, but it’ll do, I guess.”

  “No one is going to notice your shoes,” Sloan said.

  “Don’t be so sure. Women are always checking out each other’s clothes and judging people on it.”

  “I’m glad I’m not female, for many reasons,” Sloan said.

  Kennedy’s lips curved into a natural smile. “You’d make an ugly woman.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Okay, it’s time to go,” Mother said, his eyes on his watch.

  Kennedy gave Gary one last glance before she stepped into the hallway with Mother. He took hold of her arm, his hand clasped so tightly around her bicep that it hurt. “Ouch,” she said.

  He loosened his hold just slightly. “When we get near the lobby, I’m going to hold your hand. Pretend we’re together and try to act chill. We’ll get a cab to the airport.” He paused their pace and looked her in the eye. “Please don’t try to get away or anything. I hope by now you’ve figured out that our team is your best chance at disappearing and getting these guys.”

  She nodded. “Yes, you are. And I promise I won’t try anything.”

  He stared deeply into her blue eyes. He judged her words to be honest, but he’d still be on alert. “Thank you.”

  “Gary said you’d go by your first names or callsigns. Can I know your first name?”

  “Danny, but most people do just call me Mother.”

  “Why?”

  He chuckled. “They tell me I’m everyone’s mother hen.”

  She smiled at that. They turned another corner and heard the voices from the lobby echoing through the hallway. He slid his hand down her arm and grasped her hand. Her eyes met his, and she nodded, giving his hand a squeeze. She took a deep breath and hoped no one in the lobby was waiting to kill her. Then she slid the aviator sunglasses onto her face.

  “Approaching the lobby,” he said for the benefit of the others listening in on their comms.

  Kennedy looked around the crowded lobby. There had to be about thirty people milling around. She heard them talking about the stop at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and knew they were the tour group. She remembered visiting that place as a teenager, dreaming that one day she’d be inducted into it. That felt like a hundred years ago and it made her feel incredibly sad.

  As the tour group moved in mass towards the awaiting bus, Mother led Kennedy over to the lined-up taxi cabs. They got in the last one. They both carried backpacks. Kennedy wasn’t sure what was in the one she carried. She wasn’t sure either, how they planned to get her onto a plane with no ID. Maybe once they flashed their federal badges, they wouldn’t have to provide ID for her.

  She remembered once being on a flight and a man was in handcuffs. He was under arrest being brought back to whatever jurisdiction he had committed the crime in, by two cops. For a second she wondered if they would try to handcuff her before they got on the plane. Would she be transported as a prisoner? The thought sent panic through her

  “Where to?” The Cabbie asked.

  “Cleveland Hopkins Airport. Drop us in front of American please,” Mother replied.

  Lambchop watched the lot. No one followed the cab. He pulled out a few seconds later and followed at a discreet distance. “All looks good,” he broadcast.

  “The Birdman and I are getting ready to exit the hotel now. We’ll keep you informed,” Sloan reported.

  “Don’t worry, we’ve got the target,” Lambchop said, knowing Sloan was not happy with the arrangement.

  “I wish I could have gotten a tracker in her. She’s definitely a flight risk,” Sloan said.

  “Agreed,” Lambchop said. “First opportunity she has, she’s ditching us, but we won’t let that happen. Jax is on board the Lear. We won’t have any issues getting her to HQ.”

  Mother glanced at Kennedy, who kept her eyes glued to him. “All is good,” he told her with a squeeze to her hand, which he still held. He leaned his lips close to her ear. “I’ll let you know if anything is up. You can relax.”

  She flashed him a relieved smile and then sat back in her seat for the twenty-minute ride to the airport.

  They arrived at the airport and were dropped in front of the first American Airlines entry door. Mother paid the cab fare and then they went inside. She was confused when they immediately exited through the next set of entry doors. Lambchop was just pulling up to the curb. Mother opened the back door and Kennedy got in. He prompted her to slide over and then he got in beside her. Lambchop pulled away from the curb as Mother closed the door.

  “I don’t understand,” Kennedy said, her eyes darting between the back of Lambchop’s head and Danny’s face.

  “We’re not flying out on commercial,” Mother said. “We have a Lear at one of the private hangars.”

  “All’s good,” Lambchop said. “Sloan and the Birdman left the hotel without incident. It appears no one is watching them, but they are keeping their eyes peeled. They’ll be on their way after a quick stop at the funeral home to recover that gun you left under the bed. We can’t leave that lying around.”

  Lambchop circled the airport and headed towards the private hangars. He watched his rearview mirror. No one followed. He pulled up to the unmarked hangar, a multi-agency federal facility. It was manned with a guard just within, who reviewed Lambchop’s credentials before waving him all the way in. Once admitted, he slowly pulled forward towards their awaiting Lear, which
was one of four aircraft within. Jackson stood near the bottom of the stairs leading up into the plane.

  “That’s our man,” Mother said to Kennedy, noticing her concerned focus on him as Lambchop put the car in park. “Slide out this side with me.”

  Kennedy nodded. She couldn’t wait until Gary joined them. She didn’t like to fly to begin with. Flying on such a small plane was even more unnerving, not to mention being alone with these men, and now a new person to worry about. She wondered what he knew about her.

  Mother kept hold of her upper arm and led her to the plane.

  “I told you, I don’t plan on going anywhere,” she said, her eyes flickering between his hand gripping her arm and his dark eyes.

  A grin curved his lips. “It’s protocol and I’ll help you up the stairs. They’re kind of steep.”

  Her eyes then viewed the man who waited at the bottom of the stairs. He had dark hair, worn cropped short. His squared off face sported a full beard and mustache. He looked as solid as a fireplug.

  She walked past him and mounted the stairs. Once inside the plane she stopped and viewed the computer banks at the front of the plane. There were two seats and a console of computers and monitors.

  Mother bumped into her from behind. He pointed towards the rear of the aircraft. “Grab a seat back there.”

  She nodded and moved deeper within the aircraft. The seat was comfortable, but she knew she wouldn’t relax. Mother moved back and sat beside her. She handed him his hat and sunglasses. She watched Lambchop and the new man carry multiple bags on board. Several she recognized as rifle cases. They made two trips and then Lambchop closed the door. He leaned into the cockpit. “We’re ready whenever you are,” he called to the pilot.

  The engines of the plane engaged, and the craft vibrated just slightly. “Wait, what about Gary?” Kennedy asked as the big black man made his way towards the seats in the back of the plane. The other man followed.

  “They’re meeting us in Chicago,” Mother told her.

  “What? No!” Kennedy said shooting to her feet. “I didn’t know that. I thought he’d be with us.”

  Mother knew she was on the edge. This could go either way. “Relax, you’re safe. We’ve got you. Sloan will meet us after we land. He has to drive his POV back. If anyone is watching them, they can’t do anything unexpected, like fly out of here.” Mother came to his feet and stood beside her.

  “POV?”

  “Privately owned vehicle,” Mother answered.

  “Why can’t someone else drive it back?” Her eyes darted to the new man, he could.

  “Kennedy, it’s okay,” Lambchop said in a soothing tone. “This is Jackson, one of our other teammates.”

  Jackson gave her a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you,” he said. “Don’t worry, we’ve got you and will keep you safe.”

  Her eyes went past him and viewed the closed door with determination. She took a step forward without thinking about it.

  “Whoa, girl,” Mother said, grabbing hold of her arm again.

  Lambchop was in front of her. “Right here,” he said pointing to his own eyes, which were glued to hers. “Are you afraid of flying?”

  “I’m not crazy about it. I thought we’d be on a commercial airliner and I thought Gary would be here.”

  Lambchop nodded sympathetically. “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. You’re safe. Our aircraft are maintained to the highest standards and our flight crews are the best. I trust them over commercial pilots any day.”

  “You need to retake your seat,” Mother said gently.

  She shook her head no.

  Jackson brought up a picture of Sammy on his phone and held it out to her. “This is my son. He and his mother are my world. I trust this aircraft and these pilots with their lives over any commercial aircraft any day.”

  Kennedy viewed the screen and the precious little boy displayed. He had dark hair like the man holding his phone.

  Jackson flipped to another image, him holding the baby, snuggling him close. It was obvious the picture was taken on this plane. She recognized the seat and ceiling behind them in the photo. “You’ve been in a bad place and are afraid. I get that. My wife went through some scary times too, when I first met her. You need to trust us. This is what we do, help people.”

  His voice was even and confident. Kennedy knew she had to trust someone. Well, she trusted Gary, but she knew she had to trust someone else too. She had to trust these men. The plane rolled forward. She grabbed at Lambchop’s arm to steady herself.

  “Sit,” she heard Mother’s voice. He helped to guide her back into her seat, and he took his seat beside her. “Fasten your belt.”

  She did so right away. By the time she had it on, the other men all sat and had their lap belts on as well. Lambchop and Jackson sat in the seats in front of her, facing her and Mother. She felt a hand grip the top of hers, and only then realized she held the armrest in a death grip.

  “Try taking a few deep breaths,” Mother said.

  “I’m sorry,” she apologized.

  “Not needed,” Lambchop said. He reached a hand to her. She stared at his hand hanging between them. “Will you pray with me?”

  She nodded and took his hand. “Can I know your first name?”

  Lambchop gave her a warm smile. “My name is Landon and you certainly may call me by it.”

  She nodded and then bowed her head.

  “Dear Lord, please bring Kennedy’s heart and mind comfort with your presence during this flight and after. The light is before her, guide her to Your path of forgiveness and righteousness. Bring her strength and peace, Lord. This sister has been in darkness for so long and she needs healing. Amen.”

  “I’m really not that religious any longer. I used to be. I sang in the church choir all during elementary and high school.” She wasn’t sure why she was telling him this or why she said anything at all. She watched the plane emerge into the daylight through the tiny window. Her nervousness multiplied. “That seems like a lifetime ago.”

  “Maybe it’s time you come home to God,” Lambchop said. “He’s waiting for you whenever you want to reconnect with him.”

  She forced a small smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  The cabin fell quiet. The engines revved, and the plane taxied at a brisk pace. Kennedy sat back in the seat, still gripping the armrests. Danny’s hand still laid atop hers and every few seconds she felt him give it a gentle squeeze.

  “We just turned onto the active runway,” she heard Danny’s voice say. Her eyes were closed tightly. “Breathe deeply and slowly.” The engines throttled to high, the craft sped forward, gaining speed until the telltale bump of when the wheels left the pavement was felt. The nose pointed up, and she was forced further against her seat.

  Only after the plane leveled off did she breathe normally and open her eyes. The two men in front of her had their eyes fixed on her. She wondered if they’d watched her the entire time her eyes were shut. She gazed out the small window beside her and saw the puffy white clouds against the dark blue sky.

  “Are you okay now?” She heard Danny ask.

  Her gaze shifted to him. He too had his eyes focused on her. She nodded. “I’m sorry.”

  He shook his head and squeezed her hand again. “Not needed.” He released her hand, and she watched him get up. He went to a small refrigerator and grabbed four water bottles. He handed them out.

  “Thank you,” she acknowledged after he handed her one.

  Indigo

  Danny laid his head back and closed his eyes. The short flight passed quickly and before Kennedy knew it, the plane began its descent. The men had been quiet during the entire flight. Her thoughts had not. Her mind had replayed every second, every detail from the second she’d seen Stan bring the fourteen-year-old girl to Abe’s Hollywood mansion. She second guessed every choice she’d made, wondering how she could have done it differently so that it would not have led her to this moment.

  Her eyes landed on t
he two men who sat in front of her. “Where is our final destination? Have any decisions been made about me by your boss?” Kennedy asked, breaking the silence.

  “For now, we are flying into Chicago and we’ll keep you protected at our headquarters,” Jackson answered. “Two of our counterparts have flown out to L.A. to try to talk to the girl. We identified her and her mother from the information you provided.”

  They identified her all ready. Kennedy was surprised. She wondered how they managed to do that so quickly. Of course, these guys were federal authorities. She was sure they had many tools at their disposal that she didn’t know even existed, big brother at its finest.