The Enigma Series Boxed Set

by Tierney James

  “Martha, so good to see you.” Robert could smell something delicious. “This is Tessa, definitely my better half. Meet Martha.” Robert reached for the potholders and sniffed.

  The two women eyed each other with reserve. Martha nodded and continued to hold a smile. “I’ve been hearing a lot about you.” She followed Robert to the kitchen with Tessa on her heels. “My husband is bringing the salad and bread.”

  “What about dessert, Miss Martha?” Heather’s bird-like voice made the neighbor laugh. “Not tonight, little one. But I’ll make some cupcakes tomorrow just for you.” Heather started dancing around like a ballerina.

  Robert grabbed some plates as he removed the foil from the top of the lasagna. “Finally get to meet the man of the house, huh? It’s about time. I think the neighbors were starting to talk about the two of us.”

  Robert’s grin made Martha blush as she waved him off. “Go on.”

  It was then Tessa noticed the soft accent. “Irish?”

  Martha met Tessa’s suspicious eyes with her own that sparkled with mischief. “That I am. Married my husband when I was a girl. Not much of the accent left but sometimes I just can’t help it.” The doorbell rang again. “That would be my better half.” She patted Robert on the shoulder and headed to the door. “Come on with ya.” She motioned for the whole family to follow her.

  When Martha opened the door for her husband to enter, Tessa staggered backwards and covered her mouth to keep the gasp of surprise from escaping.

  “Hello, neighbors. I’m Francis Ervin, Martha’s husband. Am I in time for dinner?”

  Tessa started laughing and realized Benjamin Clark had been correct. She would want for nothing concerning her family. It was hard to resist hugging the professor’s neck as he winked at her before carrying the rest of their dinner to the kitchen.

  It was late when the Ervins started home. While Robert shooed the children off to bed, Tessa walked across the yard with her new neighbors. Martha took the first step toward reassurance. “It will all be all right, Tessa. Your children are so precious and well behaved. It would give me great joy to help out whenever you need me.”

  Francis had disappeared into their house, then reappeared holding a small package.

  “Thank you, Martha. I’m glad someone like you has moved into my friend’s house. It’s time we make new memories.” She took Martha’s hands and squeezed. “This is all too much for me to comprehend.” She looked at the professor and pointed a finger. “And you. You’re a rascal. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  Francis handed her the small package. “Orders. The director wasn’t sure how things would play out or if you’d fight him on joining us at Enigma. I’m glad we’ll be working together, Tessa.”

  “Was it a lie about you working on a book about the USS Liberty?”

  “No. I’m going to meet with all those men who were kidnapped to talk about their stories. Your uncle said they needed a few weeks to absorb everything.”

  Tessa looked down at the package, but it was so dark outside she couldn’t read the return address. “What’s this?”

  Martha patted her forearm. “It came for you yesterday. I think it’s from a mutual friend. Good night, Dear.”

  Tessa turned off the lights before heading upstairs. After checking on the children and finding them asleep, she went to her bedroom. Closing the door, she laid the package on the dresser. Robert came out of the bathroom bare chested in his boxer shorts.

  “I think I’ll take a quick shower too.” Tessa yawned, feeling the weight of the trip crash down on her. True to her words, the shower took only a few minutes. Teeth brushed and floral scented lotion rubbed into her skin, she entered the bedroom. The only light in the room was the small lamp on Robert’s nightstand. He pulled off the black rimmed glasses he’d started wearing and laid them aside to stare at his wife.

  “What a trip, huh?” He eyed Tessa moving across the room in her white tee shirt and shorts. It was obvious her body still had a few damp places. “What’s in the package?”

  Tessa held it up. There was no return address. She pried the end off then carefully reached inside. Something soft touched her fingertips before she pulled out the contents.

  “What is it?” Robert started to yawn as she carried the contents to bed.

  “Spiderman socks.” Tessa sat down on the bed. She fingered them, loving the softness. Without hesitation, Tessa began pulling them on her feet. She extended her legs to give them a look. She smiled, remembering the night she followed a dangerous man into a dark room and the mention of Spiderman socks.

  Robert turned out the light. “Didn’t know you were a Spiderman fan.” He felt Tessa straddle him and run her hands down his chest. He reached out to touch her smooth skin.

  Tessa leaned in and whispered. She moaned as his hands caressed her. “I’m going to imagine that you’re my hero tonight. No more talking.”

  THE END

  ROOFTOP ANGELS

  Dedicated to all those who protect the children of the world.

  Acknowledgments

  Many thanks to my editor, Kate Richards at Wizards of Publishing, for not giving up on me during this project. You made my rocky road a little smoother.

  Another thanks to Jaycee DeLorenzo at Sweet ‘N Spicy Designs for cover art and formatting. Your creativity and vision gave me a great deal of satisfaction.

  Then there is Sharon-Kizziah Holmes of Paperback Press who is always there for me in a pinch. You continue to give hope to everyone around you on their publishing journey.

  And of course, what would I be without my incredible family who continue to inspire and support me in my life as a writer? Thank you. I love you all so much.

  I would also like to mention that incredible bunch of people who make up my street team. They kept after me to finish the project while passing the word about my books. You are just too awesome.

  Prologue

  Grass Valley, California

  H er husband must have forgotten to activate the security system again when he’d taken the kids to their evening activities. Tessa had noticed the lack of blinking lights on the master panel when she’d entered the house through the garage. The well-lit laundry room showed no signs of disturbance. The mounds of dirty towels, soiled football jerseys, and lopsided white shirts needing a once-over with a steam iron remained in the same place she’d left them. The door swung open into the kitchen filled with a darkness like mud, heavy and annoying on the bottom of your best shoes. Even the night-light next to the stove offered no help. Searching for the light switch, she fumbled with her bag of groceries then dropped her briefcase. When Tessa flipped the switch on, she stood still for a few seconds surveying the surroundings, overwhelmed by the familiar paralyzing feeling she might not be alone.

  Robert called her a spook, afraid of her own shadow, of everything and everyone. A week didn’t go by without him telling her to lighten up. No matter what, he promised to protect her. But her husband didn’t know the secrets she carried.

  Placing the groceries on the island, Tessa’s eyes went to the night-light on the edge of the counter. The smashed globe raised her tension to another level. She pulled open a drawer and slipped a butcher knife out then dropped her hand to her side. The open-style kitchen spilled light into the darkened dining room and family area where table lamps on timers should have flooded the room with light.

  Her common sense screamed for her to wait outside for Robert and the children. Tessa didn’t want to think about her family coming home to danger. She swallowed hard as her feet took baby steps. Her eyes landed on the time flashing on the microwave. Could there have been a power surge? Tessa sighed, relieved at a logical explanation for the timers and maybe even the security system failure. An electrical problem didn’t explain the smashed night-light, however.

  Placing the knife on the table, she bent down to retrieve the timer from the wall socket to reset it, but tensed as she found it lying upside down on the wood floor. She’d laid the knife dow
n on the table only a second ago. She jerked upright.

  Pulling back her shoulders, she once more searched the depths of darkness in her home. The sensation of not being alone overwhelmed her just as a ribbon of light slipped through the shutters, revealing a large male form not more than ten feet from her.

  He vaulted toward her. Her scream shattered the darkness as she backed into a chair preventing an immediate escape. She jerked it out to stop the intruder’s advance as she swung the butcher knife at his head. He blocked it with an arm like solid steel then managed to knock it from her grasp. The split second caught him off guard long enough for her to escape toward the stairs.

  Inside her nightstand rested a loaded revolver. If she could make it there, she’d kill him. Tessa had no qualms about protecting herself or her family. She knew the staircase even in darkness. The knowledge gave her an edge on the danger stalking her. An unnerving guttural chuckle reached her.

  The beat of her terrified heart pounded in her ears. Halfway up the stairs, he grabbed her foot, bringing her down hard onto her knees. Tessa rotated on her hip and kicked him so hard in the jaw the intruder fell back against the railing. With a grunt, she scrambled up to the landing and raced to her bedroom.

  She jammed in the lock button on the doorknob then rushed to her nightstand. She yanked out the drawer as the intruder kicked the door open. Her hands searched for the holster she’d velcroed to the upper inside of the drawer.

  The sound of his heavy breathing revealed he’d stopped at the door. She wobbled as she pivoted to level the revolver at his chest.

  “So help me, I’ll use this.” The moonlight spilled through the open windows across her weapon and the intruder.

  He appeared to be over six foot, a detail she could report later, since the dark ski mask hid his features. His body, in black clothing, looked muscular. His heavy breathing rasped as if he were winded. With disturbing calmness the man glanced around the room then back at the weapon. The moonlight touched his demonic smile in the opening of the ski mask. His one cautious step forward drew an immediate reaction.

  Tessa pulled the trigger, not once but six times. Nothing happened. As she gaped in horror at her weapon, the intruder reached in his pants pocket and took out bullets. He extended his hand to her as if offering a gift before letting them fall through his fingers to the floor. Something resembling amusement escaped his throat.

  Tessa hurled the gun at his head, making contact. He stumbled sideways, opening the way for her to charge toward the door in hopes of escape. With an angry howl, the man grabbed her around the waist and dragged her toward the center of the room. He stopped several times when Tessa struggled to break free. Each time, his grip grew stronger until he shoved her against a bedpost.

  Her swift kick to his shin rewarded her with another shake as he pushed his face into hers. “Stop!” he demanded.

  Something snapped, taking her brain from autopilot to DEFCON 4. This would not end well if she didn’t fight for her life. His size told of brute strength. How would she ever escape? Tessa scratched at his eye holes. The man captured her hands, pinning her between his body and the edge of the bed. A feeling of helplessness washed over her as his rock-hard body pressed home the power he held over her. He jerked her into his arms.

  The intruder touched her long hair before sliding his hand down her face. She cringed as his fingers, smelling of tobacco and beer, rubbed across her trembling lips. When she opened her mouth to speak, the man’s eyes focused on her tongue. Cocking his head, he slipped a finger inside. Her teeth sank deep into his skin. He growled and released her in one step. Once again, the thought of escape forced her heart to pound harder as he picked her up with a labored grunt. The bed groaned as her back smacked against the mattress. Tears of panic threatened to blind any hope of escape when she rolled to her knees and scrambled away.

  “Stop!” he demanded again.

  Rough hands with vise-grip holds locked around her ankles before jerking her legs flat against the covers. The springs creaked as she felt him climb onto the bed then swing a leg over her prone body. Before he could apply his weight, Tessa flipped over onto her back, causing him to almost pause in midair. A sinister smile appeared in the mouth opening of his ski mask. His clothes, although intact, revealed what his body wanted from her. With fierceness, he grabbed her face and shook her even as she closed her eyes.

  “Look at me,” he growled.

  Tessa obeyed. His eyes were black which she thought matched his soul. She wanted to remember those details if she survived. He smelled of perspiration now. Maybe if she could get him to touch something besides her, the sweat might have traces of DNA. She felt nauseous at each puff of rancid breath against her face. The black clothes appeared mismatched and void of any significant details. The twisted smirk revealed crooked teeth, a sign he’d not been given the best of dental care. He sat up and reached down to unbutton her blouse.

  “Easy,” was all he said. When the last button came loose, he spread the cotton fabric open and leered down at her. As his hand touched her neck then trailed a descent down her chest, she doubled her fist and landed a blow on his ear.

  With a shake of his head, the man grabbed his ear. A growl rose from deep in his throat. He’d pulled back his fist to return the favor when she swallowed her pride and held up her hands in surrender.

  “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” She quivered. “Please. Don’t hurt me. I’ll do whatever you want. Please don’t hurt me.”

  The man stopped as Tessa lifted her hands over her head to rest on the pillows, inviting him to her apparent surrender. In slow motion, he pushed himself down against her again before taking a deep breath. Tessa had the impression he might be savoring the moment as his eyes searched her face.

  “See? I’ll be good. I promise. Please don’t hurt me,” she begged in small, helpless sniffs.

  The man leaned above her head and captured each of Tessa’s hands as his chest pressed harder against her body.

  She ran her tongue along the outside of her lips then pretended to bite them. Desire sprang to his eyes. Although forced, her voice became a husky whisper. “Slow. Please.” He leaned closed to enjoy a first taste. “Yes,” she whispered.

  His grip loosened as her mouth pressed against his. Whether he failed to notice or didn’t care, he didn’t react when she raised her knees, sending him off balance. She jerked her hands in a downward motion, throwing him into the headboard. Tessa flipped him off her with little effort. He tumbled off the bed into the corner of the nightstand, clipping his head on the way to the floor.

  Tessa reached for the flashlight on the opposite nightstand and jumped off the bed. She circled around to where the man moaned and struggled to get to his feet. Turning on the light, she stuck the beam in his face, blinding him. He raised an arm as if to block the light as he staggered to stand. Tessa swung the foot-long flashlight at his head, but his reflexes were still better than most and he knocked it across the floor.

  “Honey, we’re home!” Her husband, Robert, and the kids had arrived back from evening activities.

  Both Tessa and the intruder froze before looking at the door then at each other.

  Pointing at the open window, she shoved at his chest with a soft fist bump. “You’d better go.” Her voice turned matter-of-fact. The intruder paused a little too long. “Go. Now. Before it’s too late.” She walked to the window and held back the sheers.

  He turned and bolted toward her. Pushing out the screen with utmost care, he took a moment to grin back at her one last time before patting her on the cheek with gentle affection.

  Tessa rushed to flip the light on. The bullets were scattered near the door. She took her foot and pushed them under the dresser as she lifted the gun from the floor. With a nervous jerk, she opened her underwear drawer and shoved the gun into the back. The jewelry box her father had made her on her sixteenth birthday sat on top of the bureau. Pulling the drawers out, Tessa dumped the contents across the floor.

  “Ho
ney?”

  Tessa heard Robert at the top of the stairs. A final glance at the staging before she licked her fingers then rubbed them under her eyes to make a trail of mascara helped her feel like she was in damage-control mode. Another drop of spit placed on her cheek and she sucked in her breath. When she flung the door open and ran to her husband with a breathless cry of helplessness, she wondered if God might be frowning at her, especially since she’d neglected to button her blouse. “Oh, Robert!”

  He pushed her to arm’s length. “What is it?” His tone revealed concern.

  “A burglar!” Tessa caught her breath as Robert pulled her into his arms.

  “Are you hurt?” He pushed her back again. ”What happened to your blouse?”

  Tessa shook her head. “No, not hurt. I was changing in the bathroom when I heard him. I locked myself inside. When I heard you come in, I rushed out to warn you. I guess it scared him off. He went out the window.” Tessa fell against his chest once more to touch up her face with a quick lick on two fingers and then streaked them across her cheeks.

  “What about the alarm? Didn’t it go off?”

  Their two boys and little daughter scampered up the stairs and stopped wide-eyed. “Turned off when I got home. I guess you forgot again,” Tessa lied. God might be frowning at her lies and attempt at deception, but it needed to be done.

  Robert ran his hand through his hair then rubbed his forehead. “I could have sworn I pushed ‘on’ when we left. I’m so sorry, Tessa. This is my fault.” He pulled out his cell phone and dialed 911.