“And you’ll take it back?” She regretted pulling free of his warm hand almost as soon as she’d done it.
“I am being watched by Baboloki’s people who will do anything to keep the diamond from falling into the hands of the rightful heir. Trust me when I say it has great significance to the people of the Kalahari and Okavango.” Handsome took a deep breath then released it slowly. “Are you a Christian, Tessa?”
She didn’t hesitate. “I am.”
“Then let me compare the diamond to your faith. Is it not prophesied Christ will return someday, and you as a Christian anxiously wait for such an arrival so there will be much peace and goodwill?”
She nodded then narrowed her eyes at him, trying to send him a warning.
“Baboloki is the Antichrist of the Tswana people. They wait for the Kifaru to give them courage because the man who possesses it will lead them into the future without drowning their way of life. I must get the diamond to them before it is too late. Time is running out.”
“Who is this savior you’re talking about?”
“I cannot tell you. It would be dangerous for him and for you.”
“I’m already in danger. Besides, why do you care so much, Handsome? What do you get out of it?”
“I have my reasons.”
“Not good enough if you want my help.”
“The rightful heir is a friend of mind, and he can make a difference. I believe in him.”
“The rightful heir? Everyone died, except this doctor you claimed was there, which, by the way, I’m not buying.”
“There was a child. He is the rightful heir.” He paused as if waiting for more questions. The silence weighed heavy between them. “Like the story of Moses in the bulrushes, someone came along to protect the baby.”
Tessa had loved Bible stories from the time she was a little girl in Sunday school. How many times had she watched the movie The Ten Commandments? “Sounds epic.”
“I sense sarcasm,” he said then pooched out his lips. “He stands ready to do what is needed.”
“I will not be a party to destabilizing, what seems, for all practical purposes, a stable country. Why should I help you? I am nobody. I have no particular set of skills that can put your plan into motion. There is also no evidence Baboloki is doing anything illegal. Granted, he is a pompous dictator and is lining his pockets with money that should be spent on the people of Botswana, but this is true for most of Africa. Will the Kifaru fix any of this?”
“You cannot destabilize a chair balancing on three legs. The corrupt government is run by self-serving mining companies. Building a dam on the Okavango will change everything for the people of Botswana, and not in a good way. There is much money to be made, but the Tswana people will lose their way of life. I cannot let this happen.”
“Again. Why me?”
“No one would suspect a soccer mom of holding the life of a nation in her hand. It is the most innocent of scenarios. You are also a goodwill ambassador for the president on a number of issues, mostly for children, women’s health, education, and nutrition.”
“And you know this because?” Tessa tilted her head and eyed him.
“I had a lot of time at the warehouse and access to the Internet. Your bio for the university is glowing. A little off the subject, but how is it the president chose you for this position?”
Tessa fidgeted then released her seat belt. “Right place at the right time. Luck, I guess.”
It was a difficult story to believe, and most people didn’t know her blood ran through the president’s veins. Captain Hunter had almost killed her in the process of rescuing the most powerful man in the world.
“I don’t believe in luck.”
“How about divine intervention?” she cooed, hoping it would take the edge off the tension rising between them.
An amused smirk tugged at one corner of his generous mouth. “I can believe something more in line with a miracle. And this is why I believe you have been placed in my path.”
“Then tell me who will use the Kifaru to unite the Tswana people and form a new government for Botswana.”
He fidgeted in his seat and stared out the windshield. The red and blue flashing neon lights of the truck stop reflected onto his dark face. “No. But I will tell you if I am found and killed, then all is lost. Only I can return the Kifaru to its rightful owner. Only I can stop Baboloki from using the resources of the country for his own personal gain.”
“Who is after you?”
“A rich mining consortium still does business in small numbers of conflict diamonds. They have their ways of getting around identification numbers for the stones. The stones are exchanged for commodities, which are sold. The money is considered clean. This is still worth millions of dollars.”
“Why do I get the feeling you’re about to tell me something I don’t want to hear concerning my husband?”
Handsome’s deep, monotone voice sounded as if he might be reading a stock report. “Your husband’s firm was approached by the consortium. In the past, when they have used law firms across the world, fat cats became fatter.”
“Until they were caught?”
“Exactly. The trick was to use one of their inexperienced people or, in Robert’s case, he isn’t a partner, so if he is caught, then the firm will disavow any knowledge of activities and fire his ass as he is toted off to prison for money laundering, fraud, and international deception in order to commit a crime. It is all set up nice and clean, until it isn’t. But the real big deal is some of the money ends up in the hands of Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab. Nasty business. Your husband is already a marked man.”
“But Enigma—”
“Not their problem if the FBI is already investigating, and apparently they are. Then there is Reeva Kaplan.”
“The woman who my husband met with and who ended up dead?”
“The same. Whoever killed her has enough information to blackmail your husband into helping them. They’ll promise him it is all perfectly legal and he might even make some serious money for his kids’ college fund.”
Tessa took a deep breath and grumbled. “The man is constantly consumed with earning more money. I thought it would be enough when I went back to work.”
“Reeva was the soft touch. If she is out of the picture, then someone more persuasive steps in.”
“Robert would go to the authorities. He is an honest man.”
Handsome waited a few seconds to continue. “But is he greedy?” Another pause. “If he doesn’t comply, then they move on to you and the kids as a threat.”
A new kind of terror welled up inside her.
“They knew things weren’t going as planned and moved in on you the other day. Daniel hacked into the firm’s files. He didn’t cover his trail because he didn’t know he did anything wrong or saw something dangerous. And Reeva was still alive then! You were a fire needing to be extinguished.”
“How do I protect my family?”
“By helping me.”
“Tell me what to do.”
Chapter 19
T he warehouse was Chase’s first stop. Vernon wanted to try and get a better location on Tessa since her tracker faded on the car. Weather may have been a factor after a storm moved in at higher altitudes. Although he doubted Handsome had found the tracker, a clump of snow or a rock could have jarred it to cause a disruption. If they’d known Handsome would bolt, other options would have been in place. Fortunately, Vernon located them without much effort on his warehouse tech toys.
Tessa’s car stopped about halfway to Truckee. The highway patrol was advising to stay off the roads until morning, but Chase borrowed his former Ranger buddy, Ken Montgomery’s truck with tire chains and four-wheel drive. Once he got into the snow, he would pull over and slip on the chains if needed. No doubt Vernon would keep him apprised of road conditions and Tessa’s whereabouts. While he gathered up warmer clothing, Ken stowed emergency supplies in the back seat floorboard.
“I also included
some firepower, Captain. Don’t forget there’s a winch if you need it.” Even though Ken was a civilian, he kept the military behavior and respect for those in charge. “Let me go with you. We all like Tessa. Handsome is a handful, and an extra pair of fists might come in handy.”
“Fists won’t take Handsome down. Wouldn’t have a bazooka lying around would you?” Chase tried to sound flippant, drawing a half grin from Ken. “Let the others know what is going on. I don’t know why Tessa went with him, but it had to be a good reason.”
“She is too damn trusting, and you know it. Maybe he promised things he can’t deliver. She’s also gullible, Chase.” Ken stepped back and handed over the keys. “Tom and I will be here if you need us.”
Chase slipped behind the wheel. “Thanks.” He stared out the windshield for a few seconds before speaking. “Vernon trick this baby out?”
“No. I don’t always want people to know where I’m at.”
“You’re a good man.”
“We both know better,” he chuckled. “At least Tessa hasn’t found out. I’d like to keep her in the dark.”
Chase shifted narrowed eyes at his friend and grinned. “Sometimes I think you have a crush.”
Ken laughed out loud. “She saved my life. I owe her. I swear the woman would befriend a rattlesnake.”
The engine roared to life. “I guess throwing in with all of us is kind of the same thing.” He pulled the door shut and backed out.
The highway appeared deserted as he climbed toward Truckee. It gave him time to think about Handsome. The hulk of a man remained enigmatic. Their paths had crossed on multiple occasions in the past, mostly in Africa. He ran with some shady characters known in the conflict diamond business, although he hadn’t appeared to have benefited monetarily from such associations. Did he know Reeva Kaplan who ended up dead in the hotel the team raided? He claimed to be clueless and there were no overt signs he was lying, but then again if he was ex-CIA he knew how to avoid such cues.
The roads got progressively worse until he pulled over at a scenic overlook and got the chains in place around his tires. Even then he continued to ponder why Tessa decided to allow Handsome to take her. There were plenty of people around to avoid leaving with him. Even though the voice transmission came and went, Chase caught enough to know the Kifaru diamond was involved. The last thing he thought he heard was Handsome knew how to get the diamond.
Did he tempt Tessa with this find, or was she afraid he’d go off the radar with the gem? She would feel responsible if he disappeared. When she removed her earrings, she ended his ability to hear details he wished he had. Whose idea was coming up here? Did Handsome figure out where to find the diamond, or was there another reason. After all she’d been through in Afghanistan, he couldn’t imagine she’d leave with someone as shady as Handsome Jones. Life lessons are a bitch, and she’d had plenty of those in the two years since they’d met. He surmised, no prayed, Tessa was in good hands and Handsome meant her no harm. But then, Ken’s “rattlesnake” comment continued to haunt him.
The phone vibrated, and he opened up on the Bluetooth to be hands-free.
“Boss?” It was Vernon.
“What ya got for me?”
“After about thirty minutes, they are still stationary. The tracker on the car still has a weak signal but hasn’t moved. Coordinates indicate a truck stop. You’re about twenty minutes away, according to your phone signal. With any luck, you’ll intercept them. Do I activate anyone?”
“Good job, Vern. I don’t need help right now. Thanks.”
Chase clicked off and realized he felt a little easier knowing Tessa was in a public place, although it was a truck stop. On a night like this, there would be a few extra patrons to help Tessa if she needed assistance in getting away from Handsome. He remembered how pretty she looked when she arrived at the restaurant. Most of the time, he saw her in jeans and a sweater this time of year. When she took the time to fuss with her hair and clothes, she reminded him of a shiny new penny. Going into a truck stop dressed like a model would certainly get someone’s attention. Maybe not the kind he wanted helping her, but at least she had a way out if needed.
The phone continued to give him directions to the truck stop, and he spotted it immediately when he took the exit off I-80. Parked near a large yellow semi was Tessa’s rental. He almost missed it because of the white blended with the snow. After coming alongside, he jumped out and peered inside the car in case they were sleeping. Finding it empty, and the doors locked, he placed another tracker on the inside of the wheel cover before walking into the truck stop.
A short, rotund man with his hands on his hips stood in front of the cashier, cussing like a drunk sailor. Chase moved past him to steal a peek into a gift shop resembling a dry goods store instead of a souvenir stand. He moved to the restaurant where several truckers watched an old Claude Van Damme movie. No sign of either Handsome or Tessa. A prickly feeling teased the back of his neck.
The unhappy guy at the cashier station talked on the phone loud enough for everyone to take notice. The older gentleman behind the counter watched with droopy eyes as if it were as exciting as paint drying.
“What’s the problem?” Chase asked as he grabbed a granola bar and threw down a couple of bills.
The cashier shrugged and returned the change. He opened his mouth to answer, but the unhappy customer clicked off his phone and continued to cuss. “I’ll tell you the problem; somebody stole my 1976 International Scout. A classic!” He snorted. “Gone. Simply disappeared.”
Chase took out a picture of Tessa he kept with him all the time. She wore a blue tee shirt and a pair of shorts. Her nose was a little sunburned, but her infectious smile and brilliant blue eyes caught the essence of her personality. “Have you seen this woman?”
The man tried to snatch it away from Chase as he pulled the photo back. “No need to touch it. Have you seen her?”
“Yeah. Maybe. She and some black guy were in here.”
Chase showed the cashier, who also nodded. “They bought a bunch of clothes and snacks. The lady changed clothes before they left.”
“I bet they’re the ones who stole my Scout!” the man yelled.
“How long ago did they leave?” Chase stuck the picture back in the inside pocket of his coat.
“Maybe an hour.” The old man shrugged. “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Normally, Chase would have found his monotone amusing. He liked old folks and believed they were undervalued in modern society. “Your Scout. Did it have four-wheel drive?”
“Damn right it did. Put my chains on before I came in here, too. Called the Highway Patrol but had to leave a message,” he shouted. “By the time they get back to me, those thieves will be in Reno or some other hellhole. You know ’em?”
“I’ll see what I can do, sir. Wait here.”
“What the hell else am I gonna do?” he growled.
Chase ran to his truck and contacted Vernon with the latest information. “Are we sunk, Vern?”
“I had Tessa wear the hair tracer we designed for her. She didn’t want to wear it but caved to my wit and charm,” Vernon bragged. “I‘m activating it now. You need to get moving. They are off the main highway. Not sure about the range of the tracer in your weather.”
~~~
The International Scout shifted into four-wheel drive after coming to a complete stop in the middle of a deserted two-lane road. Handsome struggled with getting it into place until Tessa showed him what he was doing wrong. To relieve her nervousness, she explained how her dad drove an old International he bought new when he was twenty years old. The story seemed to soothe Handsome’s irritation at the inability to be in charge of everything. He remained subdued until the end of her story, and the Scout inched along until he got the feel of the road.
“You talk a lot,” Handsome spoke offhandedly, glancing over at his passenger who gripped the edge of the seat.
“Captain Hunter says the same thing.” She took a deep breath and adjust
ed her seat belt which must have been an add-on when restored. Riding in her dad’s Scout was an adventure in praying you didn’t become a projectile through the windshield.
“Humph. He doesn’t say much, does he?”
She shook her head. “He is more of a listener. I’m sorry. I’m nervous. How much farther?”
Handsome yawned. “Not far but I’m beat. Need some sleep. Not sure I can find my way in this weather.” He inched down a side road. Tessa twisted in her seat to examine the road behind them then ahead. This couldn’t be good. “What’s wrong?” he mumbled. “Don’t you trust me?”
“You’re scaring me. You said we’d be back in a few hours. I didn’t sign on for this. I can’t be gone all night.”
“Don’t you recognize where we are?”
“No.” Tessa tried to make out details, but the snow and wind had picked up so much, Handsome could only use the low beams on the headlights. “Where are we?”
“The safe house is up ahead. We’ll find another place nearby. Almost there. We can wait until the sun comes up.”
Tessa rubbed her gloved hands up and down on her new jeans, followed by zipping up her quilted coat. “No. I don’t want to do this.” Her voice couldn’t hide the tremble.
“Listen. We’re both adults.”
Tessa covered her face with her hands. What had she done? Going off with this man was another mistake to add to all the others she’d made in the last two years. “I want to call Chase.”
Handsome took out the burner phone he’d purchased at the truck stop. When he tossed it to her, Tessa juggled it with the clumsiness of a clown then dropped it onto the floor. The seat belt refused to budge as she reached for it.
“Guess you’re going to have to wait.” Handsome slowed the Scout to a crawl as he drove past a cabin off to the right down a narrow driveway. “I need to sleep. You have nothing to fear from me. I’m not a monster like your friends at Enigma. If I were going to take advantage of you, I could have done it already. Have you seen anyone on the road? No.”
The Enigma Series Boxed Set Page 116