“Got her in my line of sight,” someone yelled.
“I want her alive, bring her to me.”
A bullet whizzed past her ear, making it hum; Ana rolled into the gap between some boxes finally realising they were targeting her. Tension increased tenfold as she edged her way towards the window finding it blocked more bullets thudding into the boxes where she’d been. Lying down, she turned her mind to her training…
Waking, with a thumping headache pounding behind her eyes, weak daylight filtered into her bedroom as she struggled to open her eyes and focus for the day. Groaning Ana rolled out of bed managing to find her feet before she hit the floor. First a scalding shower was called for to loosen her muscles and wake her up properly. Memories flickered through her mind still trying to comprehend how she’d nearly got caught. Head to one side, she looked at how she escaped, but couldn’t fathom how the hell she’d gotten away.
Dressing in jeans and an electric blue t-shirt Ana made her breakfast, planning her day as she cooked toast and made her coffee. The first part of the plan was how to get inside the house; she’d need another disguise. How she was going to get in didn’t unduly worry her yet. She’d used Cherry, so she was out. She’d not used Mirage for a long time. Clever slinky, sexy Mirage a disguise she’d always adored, with her long thick purple hair and indigo eyes. Mirage’s face was rounder, her skin tone a few shades darker; some padding making her hips more curvaceous nothing she could do about her height other than wearing extreme heels.
Rumours, a party were being held at the house in two days, meant quick organisation. Shopping first, preparations, weapons, luckily she already had the mini camera. Ana mused over everything, knowing this time she’d succeed or die trying.
Malachy was exceedingly restless. He hated his office, and the work entailed to him as the boss. He’d always preferred fieldwork. Ever since his father died, he’d found himself stuck writing reports. With a heavy sigh, he opened his computer going into the encoded staff profiles, starting with those new to the company. The last twelve months would be a good start, maybe Ana was right, though there’d only been six new agents. All agents went through vigorous testing; including deep background checks. He couldn’t understand how someone could’ve slipped through. Tapping away, he opened his files.
Duggan Davies, aged thirty-six, rugged good looks; ex-football player loved by fans worldwide, hard, fast with a quick brain that helped in emergencies. He’d excelled in every area of training, shooting with the highest score ever. Duggan also loved paperwork, making a mental note on that Malachy smirked.
Rosetta Winfield was aged twenty-six recruited by the FBI straight out of college due to her interest in futuristic computers and electronics. Malachy smiled as he remembered snatching her away from them with a huge pay offer as well as specialist training. She now worked as a Computer Analyst breaking codes and finding traces or shadows; which tended to be intricate work.
Enrique Accardo aged thirty He was of mixed European heritage. Tall and dangerous, his thick brown hair and stormy blue eyes caught many women’s attentions; his rugged good looks, defining him. Enrique trained at Trengrove with Matt; he’d recently passed his last exam, giving him full clearance for assignments. He is an expert in bomb making and infiltration, gaining top marks in those areas.
Hilton Mascosta aged twenty-seven was a tough dude; his best work was forgery, he was artistic to a T. He was a black belt master and excellent with a sniper rifle. His short, stocky frame made many ignore him; he wasn’t a handsome man with his black ponytail and hazel eyes; his fists gave a hell of a punch.
Fletcher Hardwick aged twenty-nine, none script man who paled into any background, excellent at going unnoticed, devious and sly he’d come through one assignment with high impact. His skills were impressive, even though tended to be a loner. His scores were average to high depending on the area of training. He was a good shot, though doubtful he would survive in a full combat situation.
Sylvia Carson aged thirty-eight, their oldest new agent. She could be a confusing woman. She was excellent at word play with a strong personality who loved using her fists. She was tiny in stature making her look as dangerous as a mouse. Sylvia wouldn’t let anyone walk over her. A volatile temper when aroused. When her talons came out, you kept your distance, better than a scratch. Sylvia was excellent with a gun and martial arts, though her favourite pastime was photo analysing.
“So who’s my traitor,” Malachy muttered, “and why!”
Delving deeper into each file, he read the reports, looking at who’d worked with who, the only one with connections to Ana would be Enrique, who could’ve met her at Trengrove. Shaking his head, he couldn’t imagine Enrique sabotaging Ana, along with that he’d not been with the agency long enough. Still a deeper investigation would take place just in case. One of Ana’s near death episodes had happened before he joined, so it should count him out. Who else could he eliminate from his list!
“Rosetta was in after the first incident,” he muttered, “so unlikely to be her. That leaves me with Duggan, Fletcher, Sylvia and Hilton, ok where to begin,” he sighed.
A knock sounded at the door.
“Enter.”
“Sir, I’ve looked through the assignment you gave me, I’m so ready to go undercover,” she grinned. “Could you sign these forms off so I can order the items I’ll need from Trengrove,” she said smiling.
“Certainly, I know you’re ready Rosetta, so take care.”
“Yes sir, it’s going to be a real challenge for me.”
“Right, let me see your lists.” Handing them over Malachy slowly read down raising his eyebrow a few times before signing off the forms. “Good luck Rosetta, remember to report in every twenty-four hours, or I’ll send someone in after you. I’ll make sure a team is ready to get you out on short notice.”
“Thank you, sir,” she grinned
Exiting the bosses office, Rosetta crossed to her desk, her anticipation growing. It was her first solo assignment for the company; she’d been waiting weeks to get her teeth stuck into something real.
Looking deeper into the remaining four agents, he clicked on Duggan’s profile, a handsome man with a mane of bright blonde hair, whiskey brown eyes. His nose crooked from been broken numerous times in his football career. A tough nut who’d fit any surrounding which is why they’d employed him. His bank records were clear, his criminal record only minor issues.
Malachy decided to go a level deeper initiating the deep cover passcode. Once in Malachy scrolled through each area of Duggan’s life. He printed off a list including his parents, siblings, work and friends, also including offshore investments. Malachy continued with the other three agents adding Ana in at the last minute to make sure there were no crossovers. He was sure he’d find a match.
Doing office work wasn’t so bad, after all! At least it kept his thoughts from the lovely Anastasia. “God, what was she up to now,” he muttered, he couldn’t bear to think.
~~~~
Shopping on a beautiful bright sunny day with a gentle breeze was just what Mirage wanted. The exclusive boutiques surrounding her gave her plenty of thought. Putting her head to one side; her long, vibrant purple hair lifting in the breeze, her gorgeous tangerine sheath dress with spaghetti straps clung to every tantalizing curve, ending just above the knees. For a finishing touch, she held her black leather Gucci bag matching her black nails and shoes. Mirage found it amusing to watch the watchers, the looks from men, the daggers from jealous women. Tapping her foot, she straightened, trying to decide which boutique she should patronise today. Hands on her curvy hips, she smiled strolling into her favourite fashion and accessory boutique.
Her first stop was for a Latte in their luxurious coffee lounge. They held the most exotic and extraordinary coffees served with the most fabulous muffins, which were to die for. Sitting down in one of their lush black velvet covered chairs Mirage sighed with bliss watching other women wander around looking at the latest collection of des
igner gear listening to the chat surrounding her.
Pink nails with silver stars on a manicured hand settled on Mirage’s shoulder, a smile spread across her face as she turned to find her best friend Arizona grinning down at her.
“I didn’t know you were back in town Mirage; you should’ve called.”
“I only arrived last night Ari. How’re you? Join me for coffee, it’s quite excellent.” A quick air kiss and Ari poured herself into the chair opposite.
“I see you’re still the glamour puss Ari, I’ve never seen you without polish,” she smiled nodding to her nails.
“I wouldn’t be so crass Mirage,” she replied. “What’re you doing in town? What’re you looking for this time? I’m sure you must have hundreds of clothes at home.”
“Oh, just need a little cocktail dress short, of course.”
“Of course, Mirage, that says you; all the way, I can’t imagine you wearing a long gown somehow.”
“You coming to help me choose a dress Ari. There are so many lovely designer clothing boutiques around here.”
“Yep, brill I love the hunt the best. By the way, that tangerine colour looks gorgeous on you, where did you get it?”
“I found it in Paris,” she smiled, “I was there a few months back.”
“You’re so lucky with your job Mirage,” she said. “I wish you’d stop making me feel so jealous,” linking arms, they sashayed out of the coffee lounge to look for that little something special.
“Damn and blast it,” Malachy slammed his fists on his desk making his pens jostle against each other, “there has to be something somewhere.”
His tired eyes closed monetarily, before he turned his computer off for the day. Grabbing his jacket locking his office behind him left for the evening. The lights were dim since everyone had already gone. Leaving the building, he hailed a cab deciding he needed to see Ana again, maybe one of her friends were the problem.
He didn’t see the eyes watching him from the park across the street a bitter, twisted smile crossed the face as the fingers tapped on the bench deciding what to do next.
Reaching his destination Malachy paid the cabbie and exited in front of Ana’s apartment. It seemed he couldn’t keep away. Running his hands through his hair tousling it, he sighed heavily. Entering the apartment building, he approached the elevator. ‘Sod it,’ he muttered, calling it down. Soon Mal was standing outside Ana’s door listening to rock and roll making his lips curve, never imagining Ana listening to music of this kind. Knocking on the door, he waited patiently. The door flew back wide. A purple haired goddess wearing a short tangerine dress appeared; his jaw dropped in shock.
“W-who the hell are you?” He said once he found his voice.
The woman put her head to one side, smiling sweetly, “You must be Malachy, Ana told me about you.”
“Where’s Ana? Is everything all right?”
“Come on in,” she laughed with delight, sashaying to the fridge, “would you like some beer? My name’s Mirage. Ana’s fine, she went away for a few days. Something about another modelling assignment,” she sighed in envy.
“Yes, of course,” he murmured. “So you’re a neighbour?”
Passing him his beer, she replied, “No, I’m an old friend from school.”
He raised an eyebrow; she didn’t fit what Malachy thought would be a friend of Ana’s. There again Ana always said she didn’t have any close friends. He’d have to ask her when she returned.
“Thanks for the beer. I thought I heard rock and roll; now seeing you it makes a bit more sense. I can’t imagine Ana listening to rock.”
“Classic rock is great music, wanna dance,” she grinned cheekily.
“No, that’s okay thanks.” He said hurriedly, “I need to get going. I’ve other business to attend. Thanks for the beer.” Malachy left rather hurriedly the door closing quickly behind him. Ana kicked off her shoes pressing her back to the door slowly sliding down it until her bum hit the floor where she started to laugh hysterically, tears running down her face ruining her makeup. Taking a deep, shuddering breath, she staggered to her feet, stumbling across the dark blue carpet to her couch where she stretched out holding her stomach still weak from laughter. Groaning at her aching sides, she closed her eyes, enjoying the music as it wafted over and around her.
Malachy wished Ana had warned him about her gorgeous, eye-catching friend, talk about the total opposite of self. Shaking his head, he left the building a bit bewildered by the encounter. He hailed a cab to take him home.
CHAPTER TWO
Arizona was a great help; they’d soon found the perfect little black dress. It was very short with a rather daring back, plunging to her buttocks. It would show off her temporary tattoo nicely. The neckline was snug at the throat, fitting over her boobs to the waist where the fabric flared off her curvy hips to hit her long, lithe legs two inches above her knees. The fabric was a soft, thin silk, draping her body, floating becomingly when she twirled around.
Today was tattoo time. Mirage had an excellent friend in Adam; they often went out on the town when she appeared. Smiling, she dressed in black jeans and a red t-shirt; putting her purple hair in a ponytail, keeping it out of the way. Mirage sauntered into Vapours Tattoo Parlour, nearly an hour later.
“Mirage; oh my god babe; where have you been,” Adam dropped his art pad where his latest tattoo design was materializing to swing her around until they both collapsed onto his black leather couch. Mirage sprawling over his knees laughing breathlessly; delighted at her reception.
“Adam lovely to see you too,” she laughed, sitting up giving him a smacking kiss on the lips. “I thought it was about time I came in for another temporary tattoo.
“I do wish you’d get a real one Mirage. I’ve such great designs for you.”
“Your work is beautiful Adam. However, temporary will have to do,” she said, kissing him affectionately. Mirage quickly bounced to her feet, “come on, show me what you’ve designed this time,” she said with a grin; grabbing his hand, hauling him off the couch.
“Just for you Mirage, remember I’d like you to wear one permanently for me one day, you have such a gorgeous body.” Adam pulled her into the back room where he kept his designs, opening his last art pad Adam flicked through the pages until he came to the one for Mirage. She gasped, shocked. It was beautiful just perfect in every way. On the page, lay a golden phoenix with silver undertones rising out of blue and purple flames.
“Adam,” she squealed with delight, “That’s perfect, how’d you know, how do you do this?”
“I’m glad you like it,” he twinkled at her.
“Love it Adam,” she declared excitedly. “When can you do my Phoenix? I want it now.”
“Slow down Mirage,” he laughed, hugging her, “I’ve to sort out the transfer since you won’t let me do a permanent tattoo. Can you get back here at three this afternoon?”
“For this I will, thank you, thank you,” she kissed his cheek enthusiastically.
“Well, off you go. I’ll see you later.”
Sashaying out of the parlour Mirage got out her iPod put her earphones on and nearly danced down the street a huge smile on her face making people stop and stare as she passed.
All Ana required was access to the party tomorrow night. Who could swing an official invite for her? This elite party was a closed social event to raise money towards scholarships for up-and-coming opera singers, which was one of her many joys. Ana’s eyes lit up when she realised Malachy would have tickets; his family had been prominent in town; he received invites for all the parties. Laughing quietly, she wondered if she dare ask. His reaction to her last night still creased her up with laughter. Impishly delightful she picked up her iPhone and rang Malachy’s private line.
“Hi Mal,” Ana cheerfully said.
“Ana, where the hell are you?” he said. “Who is that woman in your apartment,” he snarled.
“Mirage,” she smiled, “she’s a friend. You know I can’t tell you
where I am.”
“I can set a trace.”
“Don’t,” she growled. “I just need a quick favour, do you have tickets to the opera event tomorrow evening. I remember you go to those special occasions.”
“Yes, I have. I wasn’t going to go, what’re you up to Ana?”
“I was just wondering if you’d take Mirage as your date.”
“Hell no way, for god’s sake she has purple hair and listens to rock and roll she’d be bored within moments.”
“Please Mal, for me, she really likes you.”
Ana heard the sigh on the phone, knowing she’d owe him big for this. “Please Mal,” her voice getting a bit desperate. Mal smiled, ‘got ya,’ he thought. “This is the last time Ana; remember you owe me. Tell your friend I’ll pick her up at seven.”
“Thank you Mal you’re…”
“Never mind what I am. You owe me this time, and I am going to make sure you pay up,” she could hear the smile in his voice. Ana started to wonder what he was going to do. With a silent gulp, she quickly thanked him.
“Oh my god, what have I done!” Squirming at the thought of what he may want in return, she quickly closed off the images flying through her head, setting out for Vapours and her darling Adam. Mirage walked through the doors just as the news at three played on the radio.
“Right on time as usual Mirage not that I’d expect anything less from you,” Adam smiled.
“So is my Phoenix ready?”
“Of course it is; all I need now is your delicious body. I mean back,” he grinned mischievously.
Pulling off her t-shirt Mirage lay on one of the padded tables, unhooking her bra. “I’m ready Adam; I look forward to seeing the finish.”
“Keep still, remember this will be cold. I’ll wash your back first make sure nothing’s in the way of my art.”
Hidden Secrets (Garrett Investigation Book 1) Page 2